Hey poddy people!
I’m a recently diagnosed T1 (7/13/10), and have been on an MDI regimen. I’m really excited to get the OmniPod, as it seems to fit my active lifestyle best (surfing, cycling, weightlifting), plus the upcoming smaller pods and integration with Dexcom makes it even more appealing. I am a bit worried though about insurance approval, as I’ve heard that companies won’t approve pumps until a certain amount of time has elapsed since initial diagnosis (my initial diagnosis was ~2.5 months ago). Does anyone have experience with obtaining a pump relatively quickly after your diagnosis? Was it a hassle? I realize that it probably varies with different companies and their policies. I have Cigna PPO, and work for the University of California (graduate student researcher). So far my plan’s been great, but I’m apprehensive about such a costly device as a pump and CGM.
Thanks for all the information. I’m really glad to have found this supportive online community and resource.
-Blair
I was diagnosed in late June of 2009, and started filling out my paperwork for my pump in November (Pretty much 4.5 months) and had my OmniPod by mid- December.
I only waited that long because I was trying to find a good endocrinologist. I would have filled out the paperwork sitting in the hospital, but, of course, MDI was an important step to go through. I, too, live a crazy, active, and spontaneous life. I waterski, wakeboard, kite-board, hike, and travel (domestically and internationally) all the time. I knew I wanted a pump the minute I found out I had diabetes.
It wasn’t a hassle for me, but I’m glad I got the hang of MDI, because I’ve definitely needed to be comfortable with switching back (for unforeseeable situations…like loosing my PDM in Malaysia) It pretty easy after I found an Endo who listened to me, respected my wants+needs and knew what a difference pumping would make (She’s diabetic, and wears a medtronic pump…so she REALLY gets it)
My insurance has a tendency to be exceptionally finicky and in general a pain in the butt, however…they responded very well to my switch to the pump, I didn’t have any trouble with them. If your Doctor is on board, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue!
I just filled out the forms, waited for OmniPod to send them to my insurance company, paid my balance and then waited for the mail to come. Then it was off to the trainer, where I got the BEST Christmas Present EVER!
I love pumping, and just got started on the DexCom CGMs about a month ago…they are great individually, and even better together!
If you have any questions or just want to talk about being new at all of this, send me a message!
Welcome to our twisted lifestyle! (alll the bad comes with good, believt it or not…check out my book at http://www.supportersofsurvivors.com) I think I am just an unlucky case, but I am a 30 year veteran to this crap, have suffered almost all the “complications” and had essentially died (by brain hemmhorage) and I took onto the pod (I was one of the first) as one of the pilot testers back in 2005…It is really GREAT. I say this to all the new podsters, be sure to get to know your trainer and have a phone # as they can be a great help if/when things go wrong. You might want to start keeping a log now, (bg’s, hypo episodes, etc.) to use with the insurance company…they will surely want this (especially when it comes time to apply for coverage on the CGM). ONce again, welcome to the group and I wish you only the best! Good luck and PEACE
Hi Blair, I also have Cigna insurance and I am often told that I received my pump rather quickly. I was diagnosed on 1/25/2010 and my pump was actually shipped in the first or second week of March! I was also on the MDI regimen when I got out of the hospital, but the 4 or 5 shots a day got old quickly. 
Of course I would do whatever needed to be done, but it was suggested to me by several doctors to get a pump. Once I filled out the paperwork, Cigna moved rather quickly for approval and it was sent to me. My endo was particularly helpful, and when I talked to the Omnipod people, they were surprised at how high my A1C was at diagnosis, so maybe that helped them move quicker! My coverage has been great. They covered the PDM and pods 100% and so far everything is covered at 100% except my Novolog, which has a small co-pay.
I was diagnosed T1 in June and I was approved for the Omnipod with no issues whatsoever. I am actually starting on it on Tuesday, it was shipped to me last week. I have BCBS.
The only thing my endo said was to make sure I am testing my BS at least 4x a day, because the insurance company might ask for a record and they require that as a minimum. I check at least 8 times a day, so that’s not an issue for me.
good luck!
I was diagnosed in August of 2008 and had my pump in November. Things started moving the day I asked about the Omnipod (probably in October). Go ahead and start trying! I got covered within 2 months of being diagnosed.
Hey Blair,
I’ve got Cigna too, but their HMO. I’ve always been surprised at their coverage. They cover diabetic DME @ 100% with no limit. I feel blessed to have such coverage since so many other folks have had to put up a fight or have horrendous out of pocket expenses. I’m about to hit day 3 on the Pod and so far so good. I was tethered to a Cozmo for 5 years and I love the “no tubing” aspect of the pod system. Can’t speak about the CGM though since I’ve never had that experience. Good luck with your pumping.
Cheers,
KC O’Pod
Thanks everyone for your encouraging and informative responses! Your experiences definitely help ease my mind about the pump approval process.
I’m going to work with my endo, who is very supportive of my pump acquisition, to get the pod order rolling asap.
I went on a pump within 24 hours of diagnosis, and insurance covered it. That was 20 years ago, too!
i was diagnosed in nov.3 2009 and i will get my omnie pod this year wwwwwwwwwwwwoooooooooooooo!!!
also my dad has a tatoo on the back of his leghaveing the diabetic sign and the month,day,and year under the big i was diagnosed under the big diabetic sign…