Being a type 1 diabetic, I need insulin pumps and glucose testing supplies. I have been using Omnipod Classics for almost 10 years. The company that I now work for had a health insurance option, HealthNet of Oregon. They immediately rejected my Omnipods because they weren't a necessity. I started paying out of pocket for Omnipod Classics and Dexcom G5 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. I eventually dropped the Dexcom and started testing manually, because I could not afford $3,000 for a 90-day supply. 

I ended up spending over $10,000 on credit cards trying to keep my Omnipod supply. In late 2022, I found out my Omnipod Classics were being phased out, so I needed to upgrade. I tried for a whole year to get them approved. My doctor’s office goes through every hoop to send preauthorization paperwork only to have it denied with the reason being ‘not enough info.’ 

My doctor’s office sent copies of emails with lengthy explanations and records proving the necessity. It wasn't until Healthnet appointed me a case worker that I got a year-long override to have Omnipod 5 and Dexcom G6 CGM system. Now, in 2024, I am still fighting to be reimbursed for the out-of-pocket expenses for medications that should've been approved from the start.