BUYER BEWARE

Mail Order Diabetes Testing Supply Companies
How to protect youself against those who just want what is in your wallet.

Not all mail order companies are bad, but...
As with anything, there is always a certain amount of risk involved with everything we do in life. Living with diabetes certinally has its risks, so we don't need anyone else adding to it. As an organization who is always looking out for the best interest of ALL people living with diabetes, Diabetic Life offers the following tips when
it comes to getting your diabetic testing supplies through the mail. Keep in mind that there are some very good
mail order diabetic supply companies, but we just don't want you to bite into that one bad apple.

First and foremost, check with your medical professional. They are treating you for your diabetes and can advise you first hand what you should be using.
Read the fine print with your supply contract. If you have any questions, call your insurance carrier. If you are uninsured, call the supply company and talk with them. If you still are unsure, call the Better Business Bureau or call your local Diabetes Educator.
Make sure that there are NO HIDDEN COSTS. A large number of these “Mail Order” companies have been known to surprise their clients with bills after they have received their supplies. This is when the stress takes over. You know that you need your supplies (and so do they) and if you don't pay them, your supplies stop coming and the stress builds. This is when you ask yourself... "Now what do I do?"
Make sure you get what you order. Don't let the supply company tell you what you should be using, let your doctor do that. Listen to your doctor. Some supply companies will send you "off brand" meters, or even a meter with the supply companies name on it. These companies do this to make even more money off of you. For a lot of these companies it is all about the bottom line, but for you it is about your life. If it is not what you want, you don't need to take it. Stick with what has been working for you and what your doctor suggests that you use. The major brands always seem to be your best bet. Customer service, company and product integrity speaks for itself.
Don't let your supply company load you up with supplies. Some companies will keep sending you supplies and it keeps stacking up in your house. Make sure they send you what your doctor says you need. Again, for a lot of these companies, it's all about them making money.
Go with a company that is there for you. Is their customer service available to you? Do they answer your questions or do they keep transferring your call? Do they truly understand your diabetic needs? Can you count on them to do the right thing? Do they offer educational resources? Are they on time and reliable?
Just because your testing supply company is in your city, it does not mean they can truly fulfill your needs. Don't be afraid to check them out. How long have they been in operation? Who are they connected with? Do they give back to the community? If there is an emergency, will they be there for you? Check with your local diabetes educators and your doctor to see if they recommend them. It's your life, control it like you control your diabetes.
Remember these magic words... "Buyer Beware and check with your medical professional".

SCAM ALERT Mail Order Diabetic Supply Abuse

                           - from Gail Schwersenska of Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
 
The expanded diabetic supplies benefit under Medicare is a good benefit that helps us monitor our diabetes and hopefully prevent some of the complications by keeping it under control. The cost of the testing supplies is one of the reasons that people don't test as often as they should and the complications that result can be much more costly to treat.

Most local pharmacies do not offer this benefit because they don't participate in Medicare and they choose not to because of billing issues. This lack of access to local Pharmacies has opened the door for the national "800" supply companies to fill the gap. The problem is that many of these mail order companies are taking advantage of customers.

Sending Supplies Not Ordered

We have cases where supplies were sent double and sometimes triple the amount needed or ordered.

Inflated Charges

A woman received an order of supplies that included two AAA batteries for her glucometer. She did not order the batteries but was billed $15.00 for the two batteries and Medicare approved $12.50. She checked at the local Walgreen's and found the same brand of batteries was $7.97 for a 6 pack.

Several folks have called outraged at the prices billed to Medicare. In most instances these folks have checked with their local pharmacy and found that the charges are anywhere from $30 to $100 more than what they could buy locally.

The Supplies Just Keep on Coming

In one instance a woman died shortly after she ordered her first supply. It took her husband 4 months to get the company to stop sending supplies, even though he sent them back, called and told them she was dead and called the carrier to tell them they were being billed for supplies he did not order and had returned.
 
This fraud and abuse alert is brought to you from SCAMS (Senior Counselors Against Medicare Swindlers), a program of The California HICAP Association.

For more information, or to report Medicare scams:

Email iagency@pe.net

or call HICAP at 800-434-0222 or (909) 697-6560

FDA Information on Diabetes: http://www.fda.gov/diabetes/

Diabetes Pills: http://www.fda.gov/diabetes/pills.html

Diabetes Information: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/diabetes.html

Diabetes Information in Spanish: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/sdiabetes.html

FTC and FDA Act Against Internet Vendors of Fraudulent Diabetes Cures and Treatment: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2006/10/diabetessweep.shtm