[Diabetes-talk] Legislation

[Mike Freeman]

Jordan:

WE must be *very* careful here. In part the insurance mess is due to the 
ignorance of insurance companies (and most sighted people) as to what 
constitutes a truly accessible meter, combined with the fact that many 
insurance carriers have "sweet-heart" deals with certain meter 
manufacturers.

It seems to me that in the long run, the most complete solution to the 
problem would be legislation -- state by state -- that would allow diabetes 
patients to choose whatever meter thay wanted and insurance carriers would 
have to pay for them.

I'd say it oughttta be an amendment to the recently-passed health care bill 
except that I suspect that Congress (other than Republicans) wil be 
double-plus reluctant to open it up again -- at least immediately.

You should also write to Jesse Hartle JHartle at nfb.org who is one of our 
Government Affairs guys to at least let him know of your meeting.

Mike

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jordan Benis" <jbenis at advanceddiabeticsolutions.net>
To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 9:13 AM
Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Legislation


>I personally wanted to let everyone know that Advanced Diabetic Solutions
> continues to serve as a patient advocacy company. We not only offer 
> diabetic
> testing supplies, but we meet regularly as a leadership team to discuss 
> and
> expose the latest barriers that affect individuals from having equal 
> access
> to fully audible meters. Unfortunately, on a daily basis, we have to deny
> services to patients with visual impairment because their insurance 
> company
> is forcing them to use a meter that is not fully audible or even talking. 
> I
> wanted to share some good news with the board. Dr. Price, who is a state
> legislator, was compelled by this story as a practicing physician and now 
> a
> congressman, called for an urgent meeting to address this issue. I will be
> having lunch with him next week. In our meeting, I will be sharing the 
> with
> Dr. Price the challenges the insurance have created for patients.  I want 
> to
> make sure every patient with diabetes and visual impairment has EQUAL 
> access
> to the appropriate testing supplies. To make a blind individual use a
> non-talking meter makes NO medical sense. Advanced Diabetic Solutions will
> continue to fight on the political front. All comments and suggestions are
> welcome. Again, thanks to everyone for all their support!!
>
>
>
> Jordan Benis NP, MSN, RN
>
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