Diabetes coverage can’t wait, a group tells Ohio lawmakers

State is 1 of only 4 that does not require coverage.

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By Anthony Gottschlich, Staff Writer 12:08 AM Thursday, March 11, 2010

The American Diabetes Association urged Ohio lawmakers Wednesday, March 10, to pass House Bill 81, the Diabetes Cost Reduction Act, and not wait for the outcome of federal health reform.

“Ohioans have been waiting for more than 14 years for comprehensive diabetes coverage, while 46 other states have passed legislation,” said Gina Gavlak, vice chair of the ADA’s advocacy committee and a diabetes program development coordinator for the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes Center in Cleveland.

The ADA noted in a news release that state-regulated health insurance plans are not required to provide coverage for necessary diabetes supplies in their basic benefits package — items such as blood glucose monitors, insulin and lancets, which are essential to managing the disease and preventing further complications.

The Dayton Daily News reported Monday, March 8, that Ohio is one of only four states — the others are Alabama, North Dakota and Idaho — that don’t require such coverage, which has lead to a “black market” of sorts for discount sales of diabetic test strips on the Internet. The strips typically cost $1 or more a piece at retail stores.

House Bill 81 is currently under consideration in the Senate’s Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee.

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Hi, I myself just relocated to Jacksonville, Fla and I went to the comunnity hospital to fill my Dietbetic Medicine (Insilen). Only to find out that they wanted a lot more than I expected. $117.00 for a month supply. I also found out that some people had to pay more. Well unfortanatly I had to leave it because I just do not have that kind of money extra every month. As it is I am on disabilty. There wasw several other perscriptions that I was unable to get, blood presure, Meteformin, actos etc

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12:48 AM, 3/11/2010

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