I am currently living in Minnesota and receive MinnesotaCare for my insurance. Has anyone ever used that insurance before? I am interested in starting the pump and my doctor recommended it, but last time I tried for it they only allowed me funds for the supplies and not the pump. I am a full time student and can't afford that in any way. My levels are so high (last a1C was 13) and I think that I would have better control with the pump as opposed to all the shots that I have to take. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Although I'm not familiar with your insurance I have heard that the upfront cost for the Omni pod is much less than regular insulin pumps. You may want to look into it.

Hi there, I'm in Minnesota too. I have UCare Minnesota insurance (one step down from yours I believe) and they paid for my pump and the supplies. The cost for paying for a pump/supplies is WAY less than a hospital stay for DKA. I was in the hospital for 10 days last year (5 of which were in the ICU) and my bill came to about $30,000. Compared to the yearly cost of a pump/supplies that stay was still a heck of a lot more. I bet the insurance companies would rather pay for a pump than tens of thousands of dollars for a hospital stay. Good control with the pump also will probably allow you to not have to experience any hospital stays, ultimately costing your insurance a lot less money. That's what my Medtronic rep has told me. Your doctor just has to sign a letter of medical necessity (stating that having a pump would basically be better than MDIs for you). With an A1C of 13 that will satisfy one of the requirements for insurance covering a pump. Mine was 14 last year after being in the hospital (it's around 7 now), and I didn't have any problem getting a pump.


I'm a full time student as well, and having a pump is totally awesome for that (which I probably wouldn't even have to tell you). Anyway, at the risk of my blabbing on, I'll end this message. Please message me if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. Have a Merry Christmas!

Thank you for the information. Anything that you feel would be helpful for me to know please feel free to pass on the knowledge. I hope that you both had a good Christmas. I like this forum people have been so helpful already.

Oooh, there's a lot to know, depending on what you need to find out. If you want you can just ask me on the boards if you have a question about something, or send me a private message. It doesn't matter.

Happy Holidays!