*Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. If you have any specific issues or concerns with your diabetes device, such as device malfunctions, sensor errors, or performance complaints, please contact the manufacturer directly. Last updated on 10/31/2024.
Diabetes technology has transformed the lives of people with diabetes, from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that help track blood glucose in real-time to insulin pumps that reduce the need for frequent injections. But why does it feel like pulling teeth to get your hands on them?
If you’ve ever spent hours (or days) in an endless game of phone tag with your doctor or device manufacturer just to get a shipment processed, then you know firsthand that it can be frustrating, confusing and downright expensive to access the technology that could make your life so much easier.
Insurance Coverage for Diabetes Technology
One of the biggest headaches in accessing diabetes technology is dealing with insurance coverage. Some insurance plans might cover CGMs and insulin pump supplies, but many people with diabetes find that insurance is either pretty limited or completely nonexistent.
You may find yourself staring at your insurance policy, trying to decipher what’s covered and what isn’t, only to realize that the technology you want is still out of reach because your insurance company deems it “not the best choice” for you (insert eye-roll here).
And even if everything aligns perfectly and the device you want is covered by your insurance plan, you’ll likely end up on the phone multiple times, answering the same questions over and over and waiting weeks for your supplies to arrive.
High Costs of Diabetes Technology
Even with insurance, the costs of diabetes technology can easily add up to thousands of dollars each year. It’s not just a one-time expense; it’s an ongoing financial commitment that keeps coming back.
For many of us with diabetes, these high costs lead to tough choices about where to cut back. Do you skip changing your sensor to save a few dollars for groceries? Do you stretch your infusion sets beyond the recommended time just to make rent?
It’s a challenging position to be in when you look at the price tag on a device that could help you live a healthier life– but what should be a helpful tool feels more like a burden than a benefit.
Health Disparities and Income Inequality with Diabetes Technology
Access to diabetes technology isn’t just a matter of personal preference; it is deeply influenced by income, location and racial background. Unfortunately, this means that not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to managing their diabetes. People in low-income communities and people of color must navigate additional hurdles to secure the tools that can help them lead healthier lives.
Provider Bias and Lack of Education for Diabetes Technology
Many healthcare providers may not be up to speed with the latest diabetes technology and some might even have personal biases about which device is best suited for you. It can be incredibly frustrating to realize that your provider is stuck in the past, unaware of recent advancements or unable to recognize that this is your condition- not theirs.
How to Make Diabetes Technology More Accessible?
Making diabetes technology more accessible is about tackling the roadblocks that keep people with diabetes from the tools they need. It can be made a reality by:
- Advocating for Better Insurance Coverage: Supporting policies that mandate coverage for diabetes technology can make CGMs, insulin pumps and other devices more widely available and affordable.
- Educating Healthcare Providers: When healthcare providers understand the latest technology options, they can better support people with diabetes in accessing the right tools and remove bias around which tools are best suited for different people.
- Addressing Health Disparities: Working toward equity in healthcare involves making sure that diabetes technology is available to everyone, regardless of income, location or background. This means raising awareness and pushing for policies that support underserved communities so that everyone has a fair shot at managing their diabetes with the latest technology.
- Simplifying the Process: Reducing the red tape around accessing diabetes technology- like cutting down the endless paperwork and phone calls- can make it easier for people to get what they need without
- Transparent Pricing: Pushing for more transparent and fair pricing can make these life-changing tools accessible for a wider range of people with diabetes.
- Raise Awareness: Every shared experience brings more attention to the challenge of accessing diabetes technology and can strengthen the community’s collective voice.
Summary
One way Skin Grip is stepping up to help with the financial challenges that come with diabetes is through the Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship, which awards $1,000 to 30 students with diabetes. If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, consider applying or spreading the word about this opportunity!
