What does an uninsured Adult Coping with Type 1 Diabetes look like?
Much like the rest of us, with many of the same hopes and fears, yet with an added burden of knowledge that they must fight day in and day out to get the medication and supplies they need to survive.
ACT1 will be profiling participants in our Supply Exchange Program. Our program provides assistance to people who have fallen through the many cracks in our health care system and face literally life or death situations.
Mary describes her situation of falling through the cracks of the flawed COBRA and public assistance systems as well as the pharmaceutical companies that have helped her and those that have left her fearing for her life:
“I am a 50 yr. old female with insulin dependent Type 1 LADA diabetes for the past 22 years. I have been on an insulin pump for almost 11 years and test my blood sugar multiple times daily in an effort to maintain a good A1C and prevent future health problems such as kidney failure, blindness, neuropathy, etc. My pump, insulin, and test strip are all integral parts of caring for my body as I live daily with the challenges of diabetes.
. . . Yes, it is possible to purchase Cobra health insurance; however, what bills are you not going to pay so you can pay for Cobra. . .
. . . One manufacturer, Roche, who did offer assistance changed their program this year and only offers help through free outreach clinics. It sounds like a great idea, unless you happen live in an area without free clinics. . .
. . . Of course, also without any health insurance; but, my diabetes didn’t go away during this time… I still had needs. . .
While the uninsured diabetic is trying to keeping up with their endo visits and diabetic needs, may it not be forgotten that they are also trying keeping their dental and eye exam appointments as well. Uninsured includes lacking not just medical and prescription coverage, but also eye and dental….none of which we can afford to neglect.”
Rose, Husband, Dog
“As a Type 1 diabetic since age 2 (25 years now), life has been full of ups and downs. I am a very positive person, and I attribute that to my diabetes. It has given me strength and the ability to find joy in any situation…
A few months ago, my husband lost his job and with that we also lost our health insurance…
Although I applied for government appointed insurance I received a notice in the mail to say that I would be placed on a waiting list – unfortunately, diabetes does not wait…
Now, with an extremely limited income and no where to turn for the very thing that keeps me alive, I was lost…”
Heather and Mark
“Mark had routine blood work in November of 2009 and learned that he had type 1, insulin-dependent, diabetes….
Mark has worked to educate himself and manage his blood sugar successfully. We both learned that there are several supplies necessary for testing one’s glucose, and even for administering insulin. When my COBRA benefits stopped in June of this year (2010) I found out that my meager disability check was not enough to cover even half of our expenses….
In my internet based searches, I found Act 1 Diabetes and saw info on your program. It stated that you were able to provide emergency supplies for people to manage their diabetes. I sent an e-mail, late on a Sunday night. The following day, Katie S replied and asked a few basic questions. I answered the questions and by Thursday afternoon of the same week, we received a package of everything Mark needs to test his glucose. It has been so uplifting to know that an organization exists that so quickly responds to the needs of people living with diabetes. “
To support our supply exchange efforts, please contact supplies@act1diabetes.org