• Machines – You are entitled to a machine (glucometer) every 5 years.  If the doctor gives you a machine, you may also get one from Sterling that the insurance will pay for.   Keep one at home and one at work.  Never leave a machine or strips in the car.  They are heat sensitive.  My current favorite machines are One Touch and Contour.  The Breeze 2 meter has a 10-test disc for no strip handling.   They take a very small blood sample.  Contour and Breeze 2 don’t need a control solution.  It doesn’t have to be recalibrated every time you get a new set of strips.

• Lancets – Each machine comes with a different lancet device.  Some lancet devices have an adjustable depth.   You decide how far into your finger the lancet goes.  Start in the middle and work your way up or down, depending on whether or not you get enough of a blood supply to test.   Stick your finger on the side, not on the fingertip.  There are fewer nerve endings on the side of your finger.  If you want an accurate reading, you must still test your finger – not your arm or leg.  Washing your hands in warm water brings blood closer to the surface, for an easier sample.

• Get a prescription from your doctor for a 90 day supply.  Doctors tend to write prescriptions for 1 box or 2 boxes of strips and/or lancets.  The prescription should be written for 2, 3, or 4 times a day for 90 days. 

Sterling Medical Services
Phone:  888-202-5700
Fax:      800-229-7854

• The Cost of Diabetic Supplies using SDP Coverage
  
  Keystone HMO:  There is no co-pay for Durable Medical Equipment  (DME) (i.e. lancets, test strips).  Subscribers MUST use network providers.
  
  Personal Choice: as of July 1, 2010, Our plans has a $30 co-pay per line item for DME (i.e. lancets are 1 item and strips are second) if a network provider is used.

  If using an Out of Network, provider, PC pays 70% of the allowance, after deductible.  Out-of-network, nonparticipating providers may bill you for differences between the Plan allowance, which is the amount paid by Personal Choice, and the provider's actual charge. This amount may be significant.

• If you watch the weekly ads, CVS and Walgreens very frequently have coupons for free meters.  You can try the other meters.  Most meters come with sample strips and lancets.  Going on-line may get you a free meter.   Commercials on TV often give a 1-800 number to call.

• Go to the nutrition classes.  They will teach you about the drugs you take, how to keep your sugar low, what to do in an emergency, what to eat or drink if you are sick to your stomach.  You get to hear about new drugs and new ways to help yourself.  Call your medical company (phone number on the back of your card) for education centers in your area.

For more information contact Employee Benefits at (215) 400-4630.