Just wanted to get a feel for what everyone is doing out there, when it comes to getting their insulin and test strips. I am tired of going to my local pharmacy because something seems to be wrong every time I go to pick up my supplies. My insurance recommends express scripts but I do notice some other supplies online that are private pay. Some of the pricing seems to be at or below what my co-pay is anyway. Thoughts on what I should do?
Thanks
Scott
I get mine through diabetic care services, express scripts is my mail order but they don't have my test strips and they work with dcs. I haven't had any problem with them so far. They ship every 90 days. Some of my test strips are a little bended at times but I don't think that has anything to do with dcs. I have been meaning to call the manufacturer about that.
Express scripts is a good provider. One thing I like them is they are prompt, and fairly dependable. When i was with Express scripts I stuck with them, when I went to a new provider, I switched back to a local pharmacy. No place is perfect. Everything needs improvement. But Express Scripts is as good as any, and better than most.
Thanks for the help. They are one I am considering.
Good to know thanks Rick.
Express scripts mail order for test strips. Local pharmacy for insulin.
I have enough strips on hand that I don't run out, even when ExpressScripts screw ups happen - which they do (like prescription expires and they don't tell me, or debit card change, etc). I prefer insulin locally since I can go there and get it when I need it; don't need to worry about delays, heat/cold issues in shipping, etc.
I get everything online. The pricing is cheaper for insulin. I get 90 days worth for what 60 days would cost at a local pharmacy.
I also got very sick if dealing with the local pharmacy too. I went to express scripts several years ago and have been very happy with it. It works for me.
Scott, good to go price and quality hunting, cause our supplies aren't getting any cheaper as time goes on. For about 5 years I have been using an online/mailing company. They called me and asked about what I needed as far as supplies and if I had any questions about my diabetes they could help me with, It was great. Unfortunately, my state insurance quit paying them so I am looking for another company that will do the same with the same kind of service and quality, I'd look into that sort of thing before the pharmacy...the companies still need a script from your doc, but just once a year, unless you want to make changes...they do the billing and paperwork, They don't do meds, at least the ones I worked with, but I am a type II, so maybe there are ones out there with insulin also. Good luck!
I use Walgreen's mail order, I have a customer support person who I just email when I want to fill a script. They have never messed up an order so far. But I only use them now for insulin and test strips. They're more expensive on the generics that I use for hypertension so I just buy that at the local pharmacy.
Thats a good idea. Yeah it is nice to go to a pharmacy for the insulin especially if you forget it when you leave on a trip.
Do you know why its cheaper online?
Cool thanks.
Good to know. Which ones do you currently work with? Just shopping my best options.
Customer support is huge in my decision here. Thanks for the information.
I use my insurance company's (Cigna) mail-order pharmacy with excellent success for insulin and test strips. If I use their mail-order pharmacy I get 90 days worth at a time and order refills over the web. The alternative is the local pharmacy every 30 days, and I just don't like standing in line at the pharmacy that much, and as you note, the folks at many local pharmacies just don't seem to be that smart when it comes to dispensing anything other than pills and seem to be able to mess even the simplest things up when it comes to insulin or test strips.
Blue Cross has a direct deal with Express Scripts, so their overhead is lower when they send you prescriptions. To promote this they discount one co-pay every three months and give you free shipping. But for the price of one co-pay (25 or 30$) I prefer to get my insulin locally for the reasons discussed. Plus I don't like the idea of my insurance company putting local pharmacies out of business.
Link: HERE
This is great thanks!
I have used a couple of different ways. In the past I have used Express Scripts. Very satisfied with them, experiencing very few issues and when we did they were quick to resolve them. Received everything from insulin, test strips, pills, etc. Had to stop using them when I purchased my employers health insurance. This policy uses Medco (really still Express Scripts) but the co-pays were outrageous and the only way for me to automatically use my military retiree health insurance was to fill scripts at a local pharmacy so I started doing that though I did switch the majority of them over to an Army facility.
In the interim, my VA package has been adjudicated and now they are filling virtually everything. The VA facility is about 80 miles from my house but they seem to have a pretty good mail order process as well as an online order system. No comments on how this system works in the long-term. Seems to be pretty flexible but who knows.
Mike