How To Find Help With The Cost Of Diabetes Medication
Treatment of diabetes is costly, and according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes spend an average of $ 11,744 a year on health care expenses. That is more than double the amount spent by people without diabetes.
Many people with diabetes need help to pay for their health care expenses. For those who qualify, several governmental and non-governmental programs can help cover health care expenses. The purpose of this article is to help people with diabetes and their families to locate and access these resources.
What programs are there?
Medicare is government health insurance that is available to the following groups:
• people 65 years or older
• people 65 years of age or younger, with specific disabilities or with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease
• people of any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney disease that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant)
People with Medicare can choose how to get their health coverage and prescription drugs. The available options are as follows:
Original Medicare Plan
Medicare Advantage Plans, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs)
Other Medicare health plans
Original Medicare Plan. The Original Medicare Plan, which is administered by the federal government, consists of two parts: Medicare Part A, which is hospital insurance and Medicare Part B, which is medical insurance. People in this plan usually pay a fee for each health care service or medical supply they receive.
People in the Original Medicare Plan can add prescription drug coverage, called Medicare Part D, by joining a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. These plans are managed by insurance companies and by other private companies approved by Medicare.
People can choose to buy insurance that helps complete any lack of Part A and Part B coverage. This insurance is known as Medigap or Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Medicare Advantage Plans.
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options, such as an HMO or a PPO approved by Medicare and offered by private companies. These plans are part of Medicare and are often referred to as Part C or MA Plans. Medicare Advantage Plans offer Medicare Part A and Part B coverage and generally also provide Medicare Part D coverage. The companies that run these plans must follow the rules set by Medicare. Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way. People considering one of these plans should find out about the plan's rules before enrolling.
Other Medicare health plans.
Other Medicare health plans include Medicare Cost Plans, Demonstrations, and Pilot Programs, and Inclusive Care Programs for the Elderly (PACE). These plans offer hospital and health insurance coverage, and some also provide coverage for prescription drugs.
The Original Medicare Plan helps pay for diabetes services, supplies, and equipment described below. A coinsurance or deductible may apply. In addition, Medicare covers some preventive services for people who are at risk of developing diabetes. To receive coverage for these services and supplies, the person must be enrolled in Medicare Part B or Part D.
Medicare Part B helps pay
• diabetes screening tests in people at risk of developing diabetes
• learning for diabetes self-care
• diabetes supplies, such as glucose monitors, test strips and lancets
• insulin and insulin pump (if insulin pump is needed)
• vaccines against influenza and pneumonia
• Foot exams and treatment for people with diabetes
• eye exams to check for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy
• Medical, nutritional therapy services for people with diabetes or kidney disease, when referred by a doctor
• orthopedic footwear or insoles, in some cases
Medicare Part D helps pay
• diabetes medications
• insulin, but the one that is not administered with an insulin pump
• diabetes supplies, such as needles and syringes to inject insulin
People who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan should review their plan membership documents. They can then call for details on how the plan provides diabetes services, supplies, and the medications that are covered by Medicare.
Medicare information can also be obtained through the following agencies or programs:
Each state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that provides free health insurance advice. The SHIP program of each state can have a unique name. SHIP counselors can help people choose a Medicare health plan or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Also, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide information about Medicare eligibility.
Medicare extra help? Read on for more on lower cost prescriptions and Medicare RX assistance.
Further info
Over the last couple of decades, we’ve seen some truly astonishing breakthroughs in modern medicine. People are now able to get help with prescriptions easier than ever before, yet what is truly remarkable is how far we’ve advanced.
A couple of decades back, diseases such as AIDS were considered to be a death sentence. Now, thanks to modern medicine, people can lead a perfectly normal and happy life if afflicted by this disease. Say what you want about prescription drugs and medicines, but without them many people would sadly not be here.
The downside is the fact that, even with insurance, these medications can be costly. There are things you can do to help with prescriptions and to save money on prescription drugs so take a look and see for yourself.
Never skip doses – As awful as this is, the sad reality is that some people are unfortunately not in a financial position to be able to afford certain drugs and medications needed to manage their ailments. As a result, they often skip doses or simply go without completely. You should never do this, no matter what your financial situation may be. You can seek help with prescriptions and there are certain assistance programs you can capitalize on, so speak to an expert and see what your options are. Whatever you do, though, do not skip doses as doing so will put your life at risk.
Shop around – It may sound bizarre to use comparison sites for drugs and medications, but you’d be amazed by how much drugs and medications can vary in price. In one pharmacy a medication could be 50% more expensive than one just down the road, despite the fact that the medication is exactly the same. Use apps such as Good RX to help you compare prices of drugs and medicines from pharmacy to pharmacy. This is very useful because doing so will allow you to get an idea of which pharmacy will offer you what you need for the best price.
Why spend more money than you have to when you can get exactly what you need for considerably less money somewhere else? Prescription assistance is always available.
