I don't exactly know what that amount includes. Doctor fees? Surgeries from complications? Medication? Co-pays? I don't know. But I thought I would do a little research of what diabetes actually costs our family on a monthly basis and beyond. Without insurance, it would be nearly impossible.
100 lancets: $ 13.99
300 test strips $356.97
2 vials of insulin $227.98
10 resevoirs: $ 33.00
10 infusion sets: $116.00
total monthly expense: $747.94
The following items are not monthly, but still an expense.
alcohol wipes: $ 3.00
iv preps: $ 12.00
glucagon kit: $117.99
emla creme: $ 63.99
glucose tabs $ 5.00
total: $201.98
The following items last a while but need to be replaced once in a while.
QuickSerter: $ 24.95
meter $ 69.00
total: $ 93.95
Finally, the pump itself...this expense is replaced every 4 years.
Minimed insulin pump: approximately $6,000.00
Thank God for insurance! Now, don't get me wrong. We've had more than our fair share of insurance woes. Like the time they wouldn't believe that we actually really use 300 test strips per month. And sometimes they've "forgotten" that we paid a copay and bill us again. Or, there is the occasional mystery bill that comes and puts us on the brink of collections for no apparent reason. However, they do pick up most of these charges. Yet, glancing over this list, if we simply paid an average $20 copay for each item, diabetes is not a cheap disease.
Diabetes? Expensive. Keeping our daughter alive and healthy in spite of diabetes? Priceless.
Posts
WOW, I actually have a similiar post that I wrote last June. My cost were a little different but bottom line was about the same as yours.
ReplyDeleteDiabetes is definitely expensive. We are very lucky to have insurance. Some people out there don't! Without insurance, I wouldn't be able to afford that!