[Diabetes-talk] FW: Medicare and Solus V2

[Mike Freeman]

Greetings.

 

While seeking a permanent solution to the problem of obtaining accessible bg
meters and their ancillary supplies which are covered by insurers in general
and Medicare in particular, it occurred to me that an interim solution to
the problem would be for both Prodigy and Biosense to publish names and
telephone numbers of Medicare-eligible suppliers that carry their equipment.
Accordingly, I sent an email to my contact at Biosense re the Solus V2 and
have a telephone call into Kelly Massaro-Neal at Prodigy to obtain
information for the Prodigy Voice. Below, please find Biosense's response.
You will see names and telephone numbers of a number of providers who are
reimbursable by Medicare. When I get similar information from Kelly, I will
either publish it myself or have Kelly put it on the list since she is a
subscriber.

 

I think Biosense is wise to proceed carefully in endorsing providers.
However, I consider the situation sufficiently urgent that it justifies
public disclosure of provider contact information.

 

Mike Freeman, President

Diabetes Action Network

National Federation of the Blind

 

 

From: Chris Gwaltney [mailto:chris at biosensemd.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 12:54 PM
To: 'Mike Freeman'
Subject: RE: Medicare and Solus V2

 

HI Mike,

 

We have taken a very thoughtful approach to who we wanted to partner with in
the new Medicare market.  There is a lot of disparity between the bid
winners market knowledge, capabilities, and approach.  It was equally
important to us that we not only partner with companies that will support
our products, but that operate in a patient-first manner.  While there are
other bid winning companies that list SOLUS on their Medicare formulary, the
list below is the companies that we feel best represent the previously
stated criteria.  

 

A1 Diabetes (800) 316 - 7955

Binson's Home Health (855) 307 - 2973

Care Services (800) 633 - 7167

Diabetes Care Club (800) 955 - 9277

Home Care Delivered (866) 392 - 8040

Home Delivery Incontinent Supplies (800) 933 - 0822

Kohll's Pharmacy & Homecare (866) 414 - 9900

 

Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

 

Best regards,

CG

 

Chris Gwaltney

BioSense Medical Devices 

6555 Sugarloaf Pkwy Suite 307-168

Duluth, GA 30097

p 678.276.7075

f 888.620.2345

chris at biosensemd.com <mailto:cgwaltney at biosensemd.com> 

www.BioSenseMD.com <http://www.biosensemd.com/> 

 

 

 

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From: Mike Freeman [mailto:k7uij at panix.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 10:45 AM
To: Chris Gwaltney
Subject: Medicare and Solus V2

 

Dear Chris:

 

Beginning July 1, Medicare CMS is requiring that meter and strip providers
go through a bidding process in order to be reimbursed by medicare and that
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers be the low bidder in order that
Medicare pay for diabetes supplies. For most diabetics, of course, this is
not a problem; while they may prefer a certain meter, they can get along
with whatever Medicare will pay for. It's a different matter for blind and
visually impaired persons with diabetes. In the opinion of the diabetes
Action Network (DAN) of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), there
are only *two* fully-accessible blood glucose meters currently being sold in
the United States: the Solus V2 and the Prodigy Voice. The problem is that
many suppliers of diabetes equipment are telling their blind and visually
impaired customers who are on Medicare that they can no longer supply strips
for the Solus V2 (Prodigy Voice users are also encountering the problem).

 

I have a suggestion for Biosense: it would behoove you to put together a
list of suppliers of the Solus V2 and ancillary equipment (lancets, strips,
control solution, etc.) that are currently able to supply these items via
mail-order and which can accept Medicare payment for these supplies. I would
publish such a list for our DAN members and other blind and visually
impaired persons with diabetes. Incidentally, I am making the same
suggestion to your competitor. Blind persons deserve a choice and the Solus
V2 is a good enough meter and enough people prefer it that you would do well
by putting together a list of suppliers that are acceptable to CMS/Medicare.

 

I look forward to your response.

 

Mike Freeman, president

Diabetes Action Network

National Federation of the Blind