Help make sure people with diabetes have access to the equipment they need once they begin Medicare coverage. A few clicks is all it takes to support this important effort.
The Omnipod tubeless insulin pump has changed the lives of thousands of people living with diabetes. This system was cleared by the FDA over 10 years ago and is still the only FDA-cleared insulin delivery device NOT reimbursed by Medicare. As a result, many stand to lose access to the Omnipod system when they transition from private health insurance and into Medicare.
Recently, several prestigious organizations have joined in the effort to ensure that people with diabetes don’t lose access to the Omnipod® Insulin Management System once they are no longer covered by private insurance. These include:
- American Diabetes Association
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
- American Association of Diabetes Educators
- Endocrine Society
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Now, you can join the cause. And all it takes is TWO CLICKS. You can quickly and easily engage your Members of Congress who serve on the committees that are most influential with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency responsible for Medicare. Click here to send a letter. A suggested letter has already been written that you can edit if you wish. All you need to do is enter your name, email and address, and the online service will automatically email your letter to the appropriate offices.
If you don’t think this can make a difference, you’re quite mistaken. Many healthcare policies have been changed and improved through this type of “grass roots” effort. Your personal involvement in this effort can make a real difference!
I am a type 1 diabetic, 68 years old and would like to retire and need Medicare to cover my omnipod insulin pump which I have been using for about 10 years now. with the Omnipod system my A1C is always below 6. I am very compliant, walk 3 to 5 miles a day. I have been doing half marathons for the last few years and eat very healthy. We do a lot of activities around water and with the omnipod I am able to get my insulin without interruption as well as showering as the omnipod is waterproof.. I did have a insulin system with tubes before and it was very restrictive making even wearing a dress difficult. I also do not understand the idea of the omnipod as a disposable pump as the PDM is what controls the insulin delivery. Parts of the pump with tubes is also disposable such as the reservoir holding the insulin and the tubes. the whole idea of the pump with tubes being covered and the omnipod not covered is ridiculous they both do the same thing, pump insulin into your body..Also the omnipod clearly comes under the description of Medicare part b covered supplies: “Insulin pumps worn outside the body (external) “
We agree Brenda, insurance should not dictate our medical care options. We hope to see medicare speed its approval processes and increase patient choice.
I am trying to get to the letter but when I put in my address it says it is not right, but it is right. Could you email me the letter?
I have appealed Medicare on behalf of my wife a Diabetic for 60 years now to the 4th level (MAC Board) of the Medicare Appeals process only to be DENIED. When will Medicare GET IT? First off, I feel the Omnipod Pods were mis-coded from their beginning. They should be declared supplies like tubing is for tube type pumps that is covered under Medicare Part D supplies and not declared a physical pump that doesn’t have a useful life. As you may know, the pump in the Omnipod system is what is called the PDM or Personal Data Manager, and is the “PUMP” that tells the Pod how much insulin to deliver. Without the PDM (that has a useful life of three years or more) the PODs would NOT deliver the correct amount of insulin. I don’t know how to convey this message to the powers to be at Medicare any better.? If someone else has a better idea, I wish they would come forward to help clarify this situation so that the thousands on Medicare using the Omnipod System can FINALLY get this device approved.
James I will help in any way I can. I have signed the petitions and sent the letters what else can I do to help out. I too am a type 1 diabetic and have been on the Omni pump for years. I am going on Medicare Oct first and now I have to either pay through the nose for health insurance that will cover it or buy another pump which is another expense. I wish congress could walk a mile in a type 1 diabetics shoes then they might be able to see past the end of their own noses. I am so disgusted with our government right now. All they want to do is fight with each other instead of trying to help the people. They were elected to do a job and nothing is being done. Look at our health care system. What a mess Obama care has become. Everything has sky rocked. They need to be on the same health care the rest of us. I have sent letters to our state congressmen and they don’t even recognize if they received the letter or not. I guess if it doesn’t pertain to them then it must not matter! Sorry for the vent but I am so frustrated.
I am also affected by Mr. Azar’s decision to move the Omni Pod Insulin Delivery system to a part D My co-pay went from $180 for a 90 day supply to $1540 for a 90 day supply. Supposedly Insulet Corp set the price. I have spoken to Insulet Corp on several occasions and they tell me that they are trying to get the insurance companies under contract so they can lower the price… I have been a type 1 for 65 years and my Omni Pod after all these years was the only insulin delivers system that works anymore. I filed a complaint with HHS (Azar’s) division for discrimination based on age and disability, since it only affects diabetics on Medicare using the Omni Pod system, got an answer not the one I wanted but I was told that I have3 t o file my complaint with a different division.. I was told you have to file a complaint before you can sue the feds.. Here is the correct address to file a complaint against: Alex Azar (his stupid move) Medicare/CMS just because he doesn’t think it should be a DME because it is tubeless. www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/complaints/index.html or you can call 1-800-368-1019 The more people that file a discrimination complaint maybe we can get some action.