I've recently switched jobs and I just got my information about health benefits yesterday. They cover one pump per LIFETIME! It also doesn't cover pump supplies or OneTouch strips. Which is ridiculous. I was looking at upgrading to the Dexcom at some point this year, but now due to teachers' striking for the past month+ of the school year (= reduced or no pay) I don't think I'll be able to afford it (especially since I highly doubt my benefits will cover CGM sensors). Fortunately for me pump supplies and test strips (test strips for sure) have always been covered by the province since I have a disability, so I'm hoping this will still be the case.
Anyway, I started thinking that maybe the Vibe is cheaper than the Dexcom. I like the Dexcom receiver better because it's easier for me to see (everything isn't all cramped together), and I like the idea of having a separate unit because I often sleep through my pump alarming. But I remember talking to an Animas rep at a Friends for Life Canada conference a few years ago where he said the upgrade from the Ping to the Vibe would be about $500. If this is the case, then I wonder if this + the transmitter + sensors might be cheaper than buying a separate Dexcom unit. I want this badly enough that I am willing to scrimp and save. If it only cost $1,000-2,000 then I'd rather "save" my benefits for a real pump upgrade, since it covers 80% (up to $6,600) of the cost of a pump ... but only once.
Has anyone here upgraded from a Ping to a Vibe (using the CGM) and know how much it costs? The other thing I'm wondering about if if the Vibe comes with a connected glucose meter. I think I heard it didn't, and I think that's the other reason I was wanting a separate Dexcom unit. I really like being able to bolus without having to dig my pump out of my pocket.
I’m on the Ping with a Dexcom G4. I’ve done a bit of research, because I too was interested in the upgrade.
I decided against it due to the fact that the vibe doesnt have a meter remote like the ping. Also, monthly cost are about the same either way.
Although, I’m not too sure about the cost to upgrade vs. seperate devices. I bet the upgrade from Ping to Vibe is cheaper than purchasing the Dex outright.
Most of us using the Ping in the US will have the option to upgrade to the Vibe for $99 if/when it is ever released in the USA. It’s been at the FDA for over a year and sometimes I wonder if it will ever be released.
I don't understand how some of this stuff works. It's taking you forever to get the Vibe there while it's taken us forever to get the OmniPod and Dexcom (Dexcom only came to Canada last year). Hopefully you get it soon. A $99 upgrade would be fantastic! I tried to call Animas earlier but hung up after being on hold for half an hour. Perhaps I will try again tonight.
I’ve read a lot of complaints recently about Animas customer service. Fortunately I haven’t needed them so I’ve had no bad experiences. I assume that you’re dealing with different customer service since you’re in Canada???
Thanks for the link to the Vibe vs. Dex stand alone kit. I was a good comparison of the two set-ups looked at through the lens of a sporting life. I think I'll enjoy using both concurrently once the Vibe comes out. I think the $99 upgrade is only available during the warranty period. My Ping warranty expires in December 2016. Do you think the Vibe will be ready by then??!
Gosh I never thought of that! Mine expires November 2016. If the Vibe is not out by then, there is no chance in h*ll that I will keep using an Animas pump.
