Medicare Coverage for the Omni Pod Insulin Pump!
Public Comments (323)
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Dec 7th, 2017Someone from Garland, TX writes:
I'm a type 1 diabetic. I used the OmniPod until my insurance changed 1-1-17. I hate the tubed pumps. -
Dec 5th, 2017Susan M. from Lenexa, KS signed.
Nov 30th, 2017Someone from Southington, CT writes:
I have had diabetes for 40 years, so I have seen the bad days, the good days and the promises for the future. In my opinion, the Omnipod insulin delivery system from Insulet Corporation represents a truly remarkable advancement and Medicare's failure to cover the device is an anomaly that cannot be justified. All insulin pumps have 3 components--a durable part (the control unit), a usable part (the insulin) and disposable parts (the tubes, catheters, etc.) What distinguishes the Omnipod are two things. First, rather than having the insulin reservoir in the control unit the insulin reservoir is instead contained in a "pod" that attaches to the patient's skin. Second, some of the electronics that control the flow of insulin are also contained in the pod. With this design, the need for long tubing directly connected from the insertion catheter to the control unit is eliminated. Instead, the Omnipod communicates with the insulin delivery pod wirelessly. The result is a major advancement in glucose control technology. Diabetics are now free to live untethered by long tubes to their insulin control unit. Swimming, showering and other activities? No problem! Medicare's noncoverage of the Omnipod is based on the position that the pod is not "durable equipment." This is a distinction that should not control the coverage issue. ALL pump systems have some disposable parts. Omnipod's disposable parts are just different because of the advanced design of the system. I urge Medicare to reexamine this position and extend coverage for this truly extraordinary advancement in diabetes management technology.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 3rd, 2017Someone from Campobello, SC writes:
I have been diabetic for 34 years and have been on an insulin pump for almost 20 years. I think the omnipod is the best thing they have come out with and hope Medicare will begin covering it really soon. With other health problems I have, it would really help me out on days I am not able to get around muchREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 4th, 2017Someone from Lake Stevens, WA writes:
My 14 year old daughter has used the omnipod for 6 months and we've finally been able to keep her blood sugars lower with all of the dosing options you can use with varied activity levels as well dosing different types of meals, that may affect blood sugars differently. She is able to be the active teenager that she should be able to be, including swimming and bathing without having to worry about tubing and disconnecting. Because we lost insurance due to a job loss, we needed state insurance, only to find out that they don't cover this particular pump. Very disheartening considering all the time, effort and money out of our pocket we've spent this last year learning this new system, just to have it taken away. Please, help those with the life-long diagnosis of diabetes get better care now, before you're paying for complications later. Improve their quality of life, and lessen the daily struggle of type 1 diabetes.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 4th, 2017Someone from Lake Stevens, WA writes:
My 14 year old daughter has used the omnipod for 6 months and we've finally been able to keep her blood sugars lower with all of the dosing options you can use with varied activity levels as well dosing different types of meals, that may affect blood sugars differently. She is able to be the active teenager that she should be able to be, including swimming and bathing without having to worry about tubing and disconnecting. Because we lost insurance due to a job loss, we needed state insurance, only to find out that they don't cover this particular pump. Very disheartening considering all the time, effort and money out of our pocket we've spent this last year learning this new system, just to have it taken away. Please, help those with the life-long diagnosis of diabetes get better care now, before you're paying for complications later. Improve their quality of life, and lessen the daily struggle of type 1 diabetes.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 4th, 2017Someone from Lake Stevens, WA writes:
My 14 year old daughter has used the omnipod for 6 months and we've finally been able to keep her blood sugars lower with all of the dosing options you can use with varied activity levels as well dosing different types of meals, that may affect blood sugars differently. She is able to be the active teenager that she should be able to be, including swimming and bathing without having to worry about tubing and disconnecting. Because we lost insurance due to a job loss, we needed state insurance, only to find out that they don't cover this particular pump. Very disheartening considering all the time, effort and money out of our pocket we've spent this last year learning this new system, just to have it taken away. Please, help those with the life-long diagnosis of diabetes get better care now, before you're paying for complications later. Improve their quality of life, and lessen the daily struggle of type 1 diabetes.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 24th, 2017Someone from Coopersburg, PA writes:
The OmniPod system is an innovative approach to stabilize and control the glucose levels of Diabetes Mellitus. As such, a diabetic senior citizen should have the same options available to them that younger diabetics have to manage their diabetes. This act of discrimination against senior citizen is unacceptable in today's America . We deserve the right to have the same medical care offerings as younger Americans. Simply stating, our government sponsored Medicare program must be changed to support the use of the OmniPod system so older Americans have the same health privileges as they're younger counterparts.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 13th, 2017Ronald B. from Glendale, OR writes:
The Insulet OmniPod system is the very best, straight forward method to stabilize and control the glucose levels of those with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. This means control of such nature whereas the diabetic can minimize health complications and even reduce the use of insulin. Actual cost to the Medicare program can actually be less by improved control and lower cost equipment. I will be switching to OmniPod just as soon as Medicare agrees to cover some of the user expense. Help is needed!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 6th, 2017Someone from Anaheim, CA signed.
Jul 28th, 2017David B. from Pompano Beach, FL writes:
I am a 78 year old diabetic of 76 years. The expense for this disease is astronomical. This type of unit is essential in surviving this disease. PLEASE HELP!!!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJun 26th, 2017Angela A. from Upland, CA writes:
My 14 year old daughter has type 1 diabetes and has been relying on Omnipod for 3 years. It has improved her A1C, diabetes management, and overall quality of life. She used both a tubed pump and injections prior to the Omnipod but had negative results. She is active and needs the tubeless solution but now she is being denied supplies. The only choices we face is to find other sources for pods which are not FDA recommended or jeopardize her well-being by changing the medical device she relies on.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJun 14th, 2017Dennis H. from Saint Paul, MN signed.
May 8th, 2017Someone from Chester, GA writes:
This would be a big step forward in my everyday life because I struggle with my sugar going to low nearly every day! I have been a diabetic for over 20 years.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 8th, 2017Nancy H. from Gray, ME writes:
I currently can not afford the Omnipod because of the lack of financial support, but instead of helping with the cost, I have had one toe amputated, I am going blind in one eye and I feel in the end its costing Medicare more money overall. I feel they need to really think about how this working, its NOT working. Medicare would have paid less in the end.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 5th, 2017mila f. from Orlando, FL writes:
Diabetes management is an extremely personalized health condition, we should have access to every single alternative in the market.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelApr 24th, 2017Susie M. from Lenexa, KS writes:
OmniPod has changed my life, lowered my A1c, and allowed me to swim without disconnecting tubes. I'm 62 years old and looking forward to Medicare because my monthly costs are more than my mortgage, currently. Please approve OmniPod for Medicare. This works for me. Don't make me change, life is already difficult enough with this disease changing every day.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelApr 1st, 2017Someone from Hitchcock, TX writes:
This device has changed my life! I have been a diabetic for 45 years and my blood sugar control is the best its ever been with an A1C of 6! I have been on Medicare for 3 years and have been paying for the pods myself. One month supply is $300. I can no longer afford to pay this and I'm going to have to change. Unless a person has been an almost lifetime diabetic, they have no idea what this means!! Please give serious consideration to approving this wonderful, life-changing device. My only income is now Social Security and it's financially impossible to continue using this product.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelFeb 22nd, 2017Someone from Providence, RI writes:
Diabetics should have a choice to use the best medication delivery for themselves, along with doctor's advice. The more that a diabetic controls their blood sugar level, the less likely they are to have costly complications. So if a diabetic is using an insulin pump that works for them, then they will be healthier in the long term. Do the right thing and allow the Omnipod to be covered by Medicar.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelFeb 7th, 2017sheila j. from Rockledge, FL writes:
please please please reduce the burdenof diabetes with covering the Omnipod system. it allows my husband blood glucose control for first time in 30 years as diabetic and improved his lifestyle.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelFeb 6th, 2017Joedy L. from Staten Island, NY signed.
Jan 30th, 2017Someone from Shelby, MI signed.
Jan 27th, 2017Jordan G. from Bellingham, WA writes:
I use the Omnipod system, along with a continuous glucose monitor, to manage my Type 1 Diabetes. Using these two systems together has given me great control, which has helped me in many ways. Omnipod is much more convenient for users than a tubed system. It is also much safer! With no tubes, there is nothing to get caught on things when changing positions, or maneuvering in tight spaces. Nothing that will catch and pull the infusion site out, which is painful, and can be very dangerous, not to mention unsanitary. The Omnipod system is shock proof, it can take a beating and still function properly. Not so much with the tubed systems. The PDM controller for the Omnipod also contains its own glucometer, so the patient has one less device to worry about. It is also very simple to use, unlike some of the tubed systems. And warranty is 4 years, most cars don't even have that kind of warranty. Omnipod is waterproof, this means you can bath without having to interrupt insulin delivery, meaning better blood glucose control and management. Three whole days without insulin delivery interruption! This is an amazing and almost unheard of idea to us Type 1 diabetics! Overal costs are basically identical with the tubed systems. With proper control of blood glucose levels, comes greatly reduced overall medical costs. Make the right decision and let people choose the right pump for themselves, no matter which pump that is. I would not be able to use a tubed pump. I need to use the Omnipod System.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJan 22nd, 2017Sharon P. from Conway, SC writes:
T1D since 1977 looking for a better way to control my diabetes. Please support for Medicare coverage of the Omnipod.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJan 17th, 2017Someone from Cedarburg, WI writes:
I have used a tubeless insulin pump called OmniPod for over 5 years. It allows me to swim and do many things that a pump requiring tubes does not. A tubeless pump is also not as problematic to how people think when they see someone with a pod instead of tubes hanging out into a hip pack attached to a pump. My daughter also uses the OmniPod and she would be devistated if she was forced to switch due to insurance. If someone can evaluate the long term cost of the OmniPod over its competitors, I am sure you would find there isn't much difference. But there is a big difference to those of us who wish to continue using OmniPod. Insurance companies seem to be following each other's lead on limiting coverage to insulin pumps and supplies that use tubes. This is wrong and needs to be rectified which includes Medicare. Thanks for your consideration.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJan 1st, 2017Someone from Bethesda, MD writes:
My husband is using OmniPad, which we pay out of pocket. However, we will both be going on Medicare within in the next year or so. Since my husband has been on the Omnipad he has had no emergency room visits and his diabetes is well managed. I no longer dread finding him collapsed from a diabetic coma. The OmniPad has been life-changing. Please support the payment of OmniPad by MedicareREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 25th, 2016Joanna W. from Columbia, TN signed.
Dec 25th, 2016Carol V. from Fenton, MI signed.
Dec 13th, 2016Leonard S. from Myerstown, PA writes:
This is big improvement over the other choices we currently have and are currently using (Medtronic) Please include insurance coverage for this product. Our daughter who has special needs just had an educational session and demo on this product and can handle it much better than than her current pump.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 13th, 2016Stan E. from Bountiful, UT writes:
I am a 78-year-old man with dementia and on the M, etcedtronic insulin pump. It is getting more and more difficult to deal with tubes and complicated digital screens. I used the Omnipod for a year, but then changed to another insurance who would not cover it. I hope and hope that Medicare will approve the Omnnipod pump system - and soon!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 13th, 2016Renan P. from Boston, MA writes:
This is an amazing system and Medicare patients would benefit greatly from it. They should not be denied access to something that will help them control an awful disease that they have no fault for having.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 11th, 2016Robert A. from Myrtle Beach, SC writes:
I have just learned to use Omnipod, the system works well. Why was it issued then taken away from me? As a Vietnam vet I feel that I have been used again.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 24th, 2016Dustin T. from Fort Collins, CO signed.
Nov 21st, 2016luis c. from Hartford, CT writes:
I am a type 1 diabetic on medicare insurance that was on the omni pump for two years medicare won't cover it because I live in connecticut ever since I've been off the omni pump my health isn't the greatest I'm afraid that with all these out of control sugars how long will I have like this please understand my situation thank you. ...REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 16th, 2016Theresa A. from Port Richey, FL writes:
I have been a Brittle Diabetic for 20 years. I was on numerous insulin pumps. I would get extreme highs that landed me in the hospital more times then I can count, due to the tube kinking. I have been on the Omnipod for 5 years and I am doing much better. Due to the other infusion sets with tubes and not being under control, I have severe retinopathy and I have to go monthly for injections in my eyes, neuropathy in both hands and feet, orthostatic hypertention. I am only 30 years old and finally received an approved letter for disability. Is there a supplement insurance that will cover my supplies?REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelNov 8th, 2016Someone from Wilton, CT writes:
I have been a diabetic for over 50 years. I have resisted going on insulin pump because of the tubing even though my doctor recommended insulin pump for better control of my diabetes. Then she recommended OmniPod, which is the only tubeless insulin pump. I have been on it for seven years. It has made my life much easier. It makes absolutely no sense that an insulin pump, which is medically necessary for diabetics to live normal lives, is not covered because it does not fit the definition of "durable medical equipment." Insurance companies, including Medicare, should not control the decision the a diabetic and her/his doctor makes how to best treat this life-long disease.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 31st, 2016Someone from Everett, WA writes:
I will be 65 in July. I am on the omnipod insulin pump. What am I suppose to do if medicare does not cover this pump? Shots do not work for me, my blood sugars get way out of control. If you have to go on another type pump won't that cost medicare more money then to stay on the omnipod?. I have severe arthritis in my hands, and I can change my omnipod without issues. If I have to go to another pump.....I will not be able to change it, because its hard for me to hold on to tubing, and other issues. That's why I went on the Omnipod. So please cover the Omnipod. It is a pump just like the others, it just does not have the tubing.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 31st, 2016Deborah D. from Buffalo Grove, IL writes:
Omnipod has made my life with diabetes so much easier! It is part of a proactive approach to the disease. Please help the millions of us who have this disease!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 20th, 2016Fred B. from Ft Mitchell, KY signed.
Oct 13th, 2016Susan L. from Mesquite, TX writes:
I have had Type 1 diabetes for most of my life - now over 47 years with diabetes. I am very sensitive to insulin and have brittle diabetes. Since using the omnipod system seven years ago, my ability to control my diabetes and blood glucose levels has been tremendously improved. The omnipod sysem is the only insulin pump system that makes sense for today because it is tubeless. I will be on medicare in four years and do not want to think about losing my use of the omnipod system because of a coding error on the part of medicare. Medicare continues to erroneously believe since it is disposable (the pods) and because it can't deliver insulin w/o the use of the separate PDM, that it isn't an essential durable medical equipment. And rather than admit/or change a mistake, they continue to deny coverage of equipment used by millions of Americans. We are being denied use of necessary, modern equipment because of medicare's bungling.REPORT COMMENTS
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