[Diabetes-talk] FW: Medicare and Solus V2

Fri Aug 16 00:30:32 UTC 2013

Hi folks, Bill Lewis here.  I am assuming that finding diabetic applicances 
and supplies differs from city to city, because here in Wichita, a simple 
phone call to a pharmacy or two will get me any info I need, as to where to 
look.  The local Diabetes Association should know; even the local Department 
of Aging; one's own doctor's office; a local hospital, and more.

Here I have a pharmacy from which I purchase my meters, the strips, and 
other stuff which is covered by Medicare and my secondary Medicare 
Supplemental policy.  I wish you well and your search.

policy

-----Original Message----- 
From: Mike Freeman
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 9:22 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] FW: Medicare and Solus V2

Great! Rest up.

Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Kelly Massaro
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 4:31 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Cc: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] FW: Medicare and Solus V2

Mike

I received your message and will provide information tomorrow as I have been
training and traveling today.

I appreciate the opportunity.

Kelly

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 14, 2013, at 4:11 PM, "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com> wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
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