[Diabetes-Talk] Medicare Policies That Impact You.

Fri Jul 13 22:47:46 UTC 2018

I understand that, and also understand that the places Medicare is sending people to are part pharmacy and part medical supplier. In some states pharmacies such as Rite Aide and Walgreen's can be the supplier. Here In Massachusetts the pharmacies that were suppliers have all gone away, and we have been by designed "forced" to go with the Medicare recommendations. It is all a big mess, and I only stated what I did because there may be some other states like ours and as you so well know forewarned is forearmed. I take Victoza for example and Medicare dictates that I must get it from a different pharmacy than the one I get my regular prescriptions from. 

Thanks for checking though.

Jeanette

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eileen Scrivani via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 5:11 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Cc: Eileen Scrivani
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medicare Policies That Impact You.

Jeanette,

Insulin used with an insulin pump is billed differently than insulin that is injected either by pen or syringe. This notice is telling us the policy may soon be changing for pump users and for people to check with whatever pharmacy or mail order they use for getting insulin for their pumps.

Eileen

From: Jeanette Kutash via Diabetes-Talk 
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 4:52 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' 
Cc: Jeanette Kutash 
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medicare Policies That Impact You.

So my guess is that Medicare will tell those of you who are coming up on getting Medicare that there are several facilities from which you can get supplies. If so, they will talk you through what they need to get you started. I know that my Prodigy Monitor and strips and lancettes have to be bought from a Part B supplier and cannot go through my regular pharmacy. Getting set up is a pain but once set up since you are on Insulin you will have an easier time than I did.

Jeanette

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 4:46 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Veronica Elsea
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medicare Policies That Impact You.

Wow! Thanks for posting this, Eileen. I am just now having conversations with my endo about how to handle things once I start Medicare in a few months. Right now I just get my pump supplies directly from the pump company and have no idea how things will work once I change to Medicare. Time to just hold my breath, I guess. But many thousands of thanks for this warning.
Veronica

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-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eileen Scrivani via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 11:28 AM
To: NFB Diabetes Talk
Cc: Eileen Scrivani
Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Medicare Policies That Impact You.

I got the below blurb from the supply company I use for my pump. I’m posting for the pump users on the list who may not know this.

Eileen ...

Take Action Now!
Insulin Coverage Changing to Part B
Even though Medicare has temporarily suspended their decision concerning insulin coverage changes. DMS suggests that you take proper action immediately.
When Medicare decides to move forward, they will no longer pay for your insulin pump or insulin pump supplies unless your pharmacy is billing your Medicare Part B benefit for your insulin. 
What you need to know to be prepared: 
If there is no Part B insulin claim on file for you, Medicare will not pay the claim. Patients on an insulin pump must obtain their insulin through Medicare Part B benefits. Patients cannot use VA, military or other assistance programs. 

To avoid reimbursement issues for your insulin pump and insulin pump supplies, instruct your pharmacy to begin billing insulin through the Part B benefit.

To ensure the claim is filed correctly by the pharmacy:
list of 3 items
• Inform your pharmacy your insulin is for an insulin pump • Let them know that they must use the Part B benefit (this is your red, white and blue card, not the pharmacy card with an RX/BIN numbers) • Inform them that if it is not billed correctly, then Medicare will not cover your insulin pump and supplies list end

Your pharmacy will need the make, manufacturer, and serial # of your pump for their paperwork so they may complete a DIF.
If you can not find a pharmacy to bill Part B benefits or if you have any questions, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
You may also want to get your doctor involved. 

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