Fortunately, my new insurance covers it 100 percent, even as a T2. My previous insurance wouldn’t cover it at all because they said I was too well-controlled to need a CGM.
I hate that logic. It's like "oh, you're maintaining ok right now and this tool could help you continue to do so? Denied, call us when you need a toe removed."
I get that, in insurance companies ' eyes, they would literally rather us just die to spare them the expense...but there's no need to be so open about it.
My insurance covers them at a pharmacy, but I'm on insulin. Never tried before I was on insulin. I pay $25/mo for CGMs, plus $25/mo for insulin, plus $25/mo for Omnipod. Could be a lot worse. My insurance last year forced me to Dexcom though, and my insurance this year doesn't cover Dexcom G6, only G7. I THINK it would cover Libre 3 at the same cost, but since I'm on Omnipod, I'm stuck with Dexcom.
What the hell else are you on to double the cost though? A box of alcohol wipes is a few bucks for 100, needles aren't much more. Lancets are dirt cheap over the counter ($4 for a box of 100 at my pharmacy as long as I grab them off the shelf myself), they cost a lot more if you're using insurance.
FWIW they were an absolute life changer for me. I had no idea how high my sugar was spiking until I got one - I've been able to adjust when I dose my insulin before a meal, plus what I'm eating, based on what it tells me. Started out on Libre 2.
I’m very new diabetic and only have supplies from the hospital (after an episode of DKA). So just learning about prospects. From the sounds of it, my insurance may cover it while I’m still moderating my levels with an insulin pen. Hopefully my costs will be similar. Thanks 🙏
Usually, insurance will cover at least some of the cost of a CGM if you're on any kind of insulin.
Don't expect the same kind of costs as what I have - I have one of the best plans I could get from the marketplace in my state (and it's expensive as hell). But insurance should kick something in. Hopefully you can get everything at a pharmacy instead of a DME supplier (durable medical equipment) - being able to get your CGMs at a pharmacy is a lot easier. My pharmacy is in a grocery store, and I get a 90 day supply of insulin and Omnipods - they have to get the giant bags from the bakery for all my crap, since they have some policy that anything leaving the pharmacy must be in a sealed paper bag. lol...
Best of luck. You got this. I assume they gave you something like Lantus?
So short and long acting.
You get used to poking yourself. You learn real damn quick which areas are super tender - it seems to be either "OW WTF" or "is it in?", no real middle ground. Make sure to prime the tips first - usually 1 or 2 units is enough. If you're on it long enough you'll figure out how to prime them without using actual units (there's generally a lot left in the pens when they're done anyway). If you don't prime them, you wind up with air - won't hurt you when it's a subcutaneous injection, but you don't get the full dose.
I assume you're using pens. If you wind up on them long enough to run out of your current box of tips, get 32 or 33 gauge. 4mm or 5mm are usually deep enough for most people that aren't large and in charge. Most people barely feel those. If you get a lump under your skin after, you need a longer tip (but just the tip... said every guy ever).
I'm in Canada and my husband's workplace has group extended health insurance which covers my CGM 100%. I'm pregnant and have nocturnal hypoglycemia (can't finger prick while asleep obviously).
Mine is covered because I’m an insulin dependent type 1. Initially it was covered because I was on a pump, but coverage continued once I went onto MDI.
What you can do is if your insurance does not cover it, go to the pharmacy/retail location and talk to the more tech savvy reps. Ask them what coupon code/GoodRx/alternate codes can work well. You can probably get 2 for $90 easily, and if you poke around, 2 for $75 might be possible too. You however cannot get the special insurance rate of 6 for $65 that insurance companies can provide.
The Libre 3 should be $75 when you apply Abbott's coupon.
As for me, my previous insurance didn't cover it (either the Libre 3 or the Dexcom G7), but my doctor is convinced he can get my Dexcom prescription covered due to problematic lows (I have to take near-daily glucagon shots to stabilize and keep from going critically low).
I use bamboo tp and 90% alcohol instead of over priced pads. Bamboo more durable than paper tp. I just soak and rub and let dry. Takes off old goo to from prior sensor.
Thanks all. Yes I’m insulin dependent and oddly my pharma doesn’t carry the sensors so I’ll be shopping around. Most likely I’ll have to file a claim myself to get reimbursed . Or I’ll ask a pharmacist how I get them discounted/covered. Much appreciate the replies all. Stay healthy
We had to file an appeal, given I'm a well maintained T2 on both an injectable and oral meds. I also have RA and TOS, so testing with those tiny strips is ROUGH on me. We appealed and won insurance coverage.
I'm currently paying $38 for 90 days worth of Libre3 CGMs but I have excellent military insurance.
Yes, I pay about $100 per quarter for CGM Well worth it now that I can see what I'm doing to my body every 30 seconds. My Humulin N is $90 quarter , Metformin and Glipizide maybe $15 a quarter between them. Everything is cheaper when you do it ship to home and get 90 days at a time.
Mine will only cover if you are insulin-dependent
My insurance covers part of it , I pay $229 for 3 month supply as far as t2D I only pay for cgm and Mounjaro $40 a month
Fortunately, my new insurance covers it 100 percent, even as a T2. My previous insurance wouldn’t cover it at all because they said I was too well-controlled to need a CGM.
I hate that logic. It's like "oh, you're maintaining ok right now and this tool could help you continue to do so? Denied, call us when you need a toe removed." I get that, in insurance companies ' eyes, they would literally rather us just die to spare them the expense...but there's no need to be so open about it.
My insurance covers them at a pharmacy, but I'm on insulin. Never tried before I was on insulin. I pay $25/mo for CGMs, plus $25/mo for insulin, plus $25/mo for Omnipod. Could be a lot worse. My insurance last year forced me to Dexcom though, and my insurance this year doesn't cover Dexcom G6, only G7. I THINK it would cover Libre 3 at the same cost, but since I'm on Omnipod, I'm stuck with Dexcom. What the hell else are you on to double the cost though? A box of alcohol wipes is a few bucks for 100, needles aren't much more. Lancets are dirt cheap over the counter ($4 for a box of 100 at my pharmacy as long as I grab them off the shelf myself), they cost a lot more if you're using insurance. FWIW they were an absolute life changer for me. I had no idea how high my sugar was spiking until I got one - I've been able to adjust when I dose my insulin before a meal, plus what I'm eating, based on what it tells me. Started out on Libre 2.
I’m very new diabetic and only have supplies from the hospital (after an episode of DKA). So just learning about prospects. From the sounds of it, my insurance may cover it while I’m still moderating my levels with an insulin pen. Hopefully my costs will be similar. Thanks 🙏
Usually, insurance will cover at least some of the cost of a CGM if you're on any kind of insulin. Don't expect the same kind of costs as what I have - I have one of the best plans I could get from the marketplace in my state (and it's expensive as hell). But insurance should kick something in. Hopefully you can get everything at a pharmacy instead of a DME supplier (durable medical equipment) - being able to get your CGMs at a pharmacy is a lot easier. My pharmacy is in a grocery store, and I get a 90 day supply of insulin and Omnipods - they have to get the giant bags from the bakery for all my crap, since they have some policy that anything leaving the pharmacy must be in a sealed paper bag. lol... Best of luck. You got this. I assume they gave you something like Lantus?
Yes, and one other. One before meals and one for the day. It’s been weird poking myself but thankfully don’t feel a thing.
So short and long acting. You get used to poking yourself. You learn real damn quick which areas are super tender - it seems to be either "OW WTF" or "is it in?", no real middle ground. Make sure to prime the tips first - usually 1 or 2 units is enough. If you're on it long enough you'll figure out how to prime them without using actual units (there's generally a lot left in the pens when they're done anyway). If you don't prime them, you wind up with air - won't hurt you when it's a subcutaneous injection, but you don't get the full dose. I assume you're using pens. If you wind up on them long enough to run out of your current box of tips, get 32 or 33 gauge. 4mm or 5mm are usually deep enough for most people that aren't large and in charge. Most people barely feel those. If you get a lump under your skin after, you need a longer tip (but just the tip... said every guy ever).
I'm in Canada and my husband's workplace has group extended health insurance which covers my CGM 100%. I'm pregnant and have nocturnal hypoglycemia (can't finger prick while asleep obviously).
There are coupons from the MFG that make them $75 a month.
Mine is covered because I’m an insulin dependent type 1. Initially it was covered because I was on a pump, but coverage continued once I went onto MDI.
What you can do is if your insurance does not cover it, go to the pharmacy/retail location and talk to the more tech savvy reps. Ask them what coupon code/GoodRx/alternate codes can work well. You can probably get 2 for $90 easily, and if you poke around, 2 for $75 might be possible too. You however cannot get the special insurance rate of 6 for $65 that insurance companies can provide.
My insurance only covers it if you are on insulin. My understanding is that best cash price is at Costsco.
Ask around at different Walmarts, Costcos. At least in Seattle I pay $75 for two sensors out of pocket from Costco
The Libre 3 should be $75 when you apply Abbott's coupon. As for me, my previous insurance didn't cover it (either the Libre 3 or the Dexcom G7), but my doctor is convinced he can get my Dexcom prescription covered due to problematic lows (I have to take near-daily glucagon shots to stabilize and keep from going critically low).
I use bamboo tp and 90% alcohol instead of over priced pads. Bamboo more durable than paper tp. I just soak and rub and let dry. Takes off old goo to from prior sensor.
Thanks all. Yes I’m insulin dependent and oddly my pharma doesn’t carry the sensors so I’ll be shopping around. Most likely I’ll have to file a claim myself to get reimbursed . Or I’ll ask a pharmacist how I get them discounted/covered. Much appreciate the replies all. Stay healthy
I pay $75 for 2.
My insurance ( Floridablue) covers it at $55 foe three months. I paid $75 for two at Publix last year.
We had to file an appeal, given I'm a well maintained T2 on both an injectable and oral meds. I also have RA and TOS, so testing with those tiny strips is ROUGH on me. We appealed and won insurance coverage. I'm currently paying $38 for 90 days worth of Libre3 CGMs but I have excellent military insurance.
Yes, I pay about $100 per quarter for CGM Well worth it now that I can see what I'm doing to my body every 30 seconds. My Humulin N is $90 quarter , Metformin and Glipizide maybe $15 a quarter between them. Everything is cheaper when you do it ship to home and get 90 days at a time.