November 20, 2008 – 12:43 pm
One of my old coworkers sent me a link to an NPR report he heard on the news today. This report hit hard at home for me. It is about a couple of families with children who have cystic fibrosis who are stuck in the middle, financially, much like myself. The costs of caring for [...]
November 4, 2008 – 7:10 pm
So, I have this friend… well, maybe she isn’t exactly a friend, but I grew up with her. We spent many days while we were growing up in the hospital together. Both having CF, sharing the trials, tribulations and frustrations of living with this disease. Having wheelchair races, playing chubby bunnies at 1am until the [...]
Hmmmmm…. so after 6 months of fighting, and FINALLY winning “approval” for my continuous glucose monitor from GreatWest health insurance, they are refusing to pay! What the #3!!?!
I have no idea except to call a lawyer about this one. How on earth can they approve the device, agree it is medically necessary, but [...]
On Tuesday I started using a new blood glucose meter. I have been using a FreeStyle Flash for several years and absolutely loved it (quite ticked to hear they are no longer making the Flash). In fact a few weeks ago I found a new feature on it that made me fall deeper [...]
One of my difficulties in staying healthy while living with Cystic Fibrosis is airway clearance. I have to spend time every morning and evening focusing on getting the thick and sticky mucus out of my lungs. Something that may take a simple clearing of the throat in someone who is “normal” may take [...]
I thought I would post my letter here as part an educational tool about CFRD and as well a help to any one with CFRD that has insurance troubles getting an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor system. I am hoping to follow this up with a CFRD dictionary to help explain some of [...]
March 12, 2008 – 11:43 am
Today I received a note from my employer’s insurance broker. They are trying to help me get insurance coverage of an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor system.
Attached was the criteria Great West uses to decide who gets coverage and who does not.
Policy: Criteria #1
A. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with [...]
Apparently I am not the only one having problems with GreatWest Health Insurance. I just found a mother who is having a VERY similar problem with GW, getting coverage for an insulin pump for her son. Here is her story, copied off of a diabetes forum:
“Great West Nightmare”
Hello all ….
Am brand new [...]
February 19, 2008 – 12:27 pm
I have been in constant contact, sending at least a half dozen emails a day, with my clinic since this insurance company vs. the insulin pump fight started. We are currently working on a second, and final, appeal.
I spoke with the insurance co, they believe their independent reviewers are up to date with all [...]
February 15, 2008 – 11:42 am
I received the latest letter of denial from my insurance company.
Here’s what the letter says:
“This appeal was reviewed by an independent external consultant, Board Certified in Internal Medicine with a Sub Specialty Certificate in Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism….
… Although the patient has met the criteria of being on on intensified insulin therapy program, and has [...]
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