Hey Bill, you are definitely not alone in this. Insurance coverage for diabetes meds and supplies can be really frustrating, and adding something like COPD on top of that makes it even more complicated.

A lot of people run into issues like prior authorizations, formulary changes, or certain brands not being covered. Sometimes it helps to ask your provider about covered alternatives or if they can submit an exception. Pharmacies can sometimes check coverage too, which can save some back and forth.

For supplies, some people have had better luck going through durable medical equipment providers instead of a regular pharmacy, depending on the plan.

It can take some persistence, but there are usually a few options to explore. What kind of issues are you running into right now?

My personal test system. I've averaged 2500 finger sticks a year since February 2022.

YES! I just had a problem with getting my test strips covered. I last had them refilled late December, which means they would last me until late March, given the amount I normally get. When I tried to get them refilled I was told by the pharmacist they were "under review." What did that mean!!!? Called my doctor's office, they tried to resubmit the request. Next day, on the pharmacy's outgoing message system, I was told they were ready.

Another trip to the pharmacy: was told my insurance would not cover them. Why? a call to my insurance; after one and a half hours on phone with insurance, I found out that my test strips were not covered by any insurance as of Jan 1.

Another call to my doctor to get a new test strip prescription. Supposedly script was faxed to pharmacy. I waited 2 hours to give them time to get the fax and fill the script. Went to pharmacy again.

Could not find the fax! Called doctor's office AGAIN, and this time they resent the fax. Pharmacy got it, or at least one of them. Final and last trip to the pharmacy, I got the test strips.

Problem: the test strips should have included a set up solution. They did not. I ordered this online at a cost of about $15. Should get in about 3 to 8 day. Did not want to deal with pharmacy again.

Then! needed to refill my metformin. This only took 1 trip to the pharmacy, but finally got them after being told they were also "under review." I have spent the last 4 days totally frustrated!. Plus without that set up solution I can't test my glucose. You know that old saying: "It's in the mail." hope that's not the case with my test strip order. So frustrating!

@A DiabetesTeam Member high triglycerides are caused by a high carb diet. So the same things that raise your blood sugars raise your triglycerides. My doctor has me on fenofibrate for my tryglicerides.
@A DiabetesTeam Member I have a Medicare advantage plan and have no problems with getting my meds for diabetes. I did have to get a prior authorization for my trulicity and it was approved.

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