Any Type 1 diabetics on here? How did you pay for insulin?

[Lolitainkwell 2]

Hello,

 

I'm in the UK and a Type 1 diabetic looking to start the process to move to the USA after I get married next year.

 

I know the healthcare is very different in the U.S. and wanted to know if there were any Type 1s that have moved successfully and how they paid for their insulin. My fiance also a Type 1 and as a foreign spouse, am not eligible to get on his insurance. I know people are going to other countries to buy cheaper insulin.

 

I want to work when I get over there, but am currently gathering information on how I would get my medication at present. Especially if my future employer does not provide insurance.

 

Are there any T1s on here who can advise? My fiance won't move to the UK for personal reasons.

 

Please advise. Thanks.

[Jeanne Adil 1,651]

why wouldn't you be allowed to be added to the spouse's insurance?

 

and if you look for employment why not choose one who offers health care ?

[Lolitainkwell 2]

Its Medicare and I read this:

 

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-01-2010/ask_ms_medicare_question_75.html

 

I would look for one with insurance of course, but am currently doing research into this topic.

 

Thank you for replying.

[Crazy Cat 39,249]

The best price I have seen for insulin N is at Walmart pharmacies....about $25 per vial.

Edited May 8, 2019 by missileman

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

People always run to medicare for some reason. Depending on if your spouse has a "good" insurance plan say through their employer, it shouldn't be an issue. Such as mine, didn't ask about any pre-existing "conditions", but if it's a low grade one it might, which may cause a higher monthly rate of payment. Many variable to health care in the US. Getting added to a spouse's health insurance is generally easiest and cheapest. But definitely need to look into it all on your own.

[Crazy Cat 39,249]

38 minutes ago, Lolitainkwell said:

Its Medicare and I read this:

 

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-01-2010/ask_ms_medicare_question_75.html

 

I would look for one with insurance of course, but am currently doing research into this topic.

 

Thank you for replying.

I believe Medicare requires 5 years as an LPR before you can purchase it or qualify under spouses work record......

[Boiler 43,436]

Medicare is simplistically for OAP's.

[yuna628 9,528]

OP: Medicare will be off-limits to you for quite a long while.

 

There are typical ways to access health insurance though:

 

buy it out of pocket privately through any insurer that offers in the state you will live.

sign up to Obamacare (federal exchange). open enrollment is in November, but you can get on it early if you have a special qualifier.

find a job and obtain insurance through an employer if the spouse does not have insurance through an employer.

 

The first option will likely be the fastest option for you, especially for something as needed as insulin.

 

[ILikeBread 43]

I've heard Americans go to Canada to get it as it's way cheaper up there. (only practical if you live close to the border).

 

Maybe you can get a prescription in the U.K that covers several months right before you move and travel with that insulin, at least you are stress free for a bit and it ties you over until you find a job.

 

(if that's against immigration regulations can an Admin delete my post?)

[Boiler 43,436]

https://www.newsweek.com/caravan-americans-crossing-canadian-border-get-affordable-medical-care-1417582

 

A"caravan" of Americans living with Type 1 diabetes made its way across the U.S. border into Canada over the weekend in search of affordable medical care in a country where they can get the "exact same" life-saving drugs for a dramatically lower price. 

"We're on a #CaravanToCanada because the USA charges astronomical prices for insulin that most people can't afford," tweeted caravan member Quinn Nystrom as she shared updates on the journey. 

Nystrom was among a group of Minnesotans who piled into cars on Friday to make the 600-mile journey from the Twin Cities to Fort Frances, Ontario, where she said insulin, the hormone patients with Type 1 Diabetes rely on to regulate their blood glucose levels, can be bought for a tenth of what it costs in the U.S. 

The caravan was organized as part of a campaign launched under the banner "#insulin4all" to call on the U.S. government to regulate the cost of life-saving drugs, including insulin, and make medication affordable for anyone who needs it. 

[TBoneTX 43,058]

Insulin is cheaper in Mexico, too; however, you can't buy hypodermic needles there.

[ILikeBread 43]

25 minutes ago, TBoneTX said:

Insulin is cheaper in Mexico, too; however, you can't buy hypodermic needles there.

Sadly America is the world champion in expensive insulin. And drug prices really.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/health/utah-insurer-to-send-patients-to-mexico-for-cheap-prescription-drugs

[Lemonslice 4,555]

If you are planning to need to work and get health insurance as soon as possible when moving to the US, you should consider a spousal visa. Your fiancé can also look at another job offering insurance to the family of their employees. 

[little immigrant 800]

Agreed with Lemons lice. 

 

I don't have type 1 diabetes but I have a chronic illness. 

 

If you're still working in your home country, save up money in case you need to pay out of pocket here. Also you can bring supplies worth of 3 months once you move. 

 

When I came I was out of insurance for two months and I got really sick. I then was able to get insurance through employment. Definitely not worth it going uncovered not even temporarily. 

[TBoneTX 43,058]

2 minutes ago, little immigrant said:

Lemons lice

Interesting and unfortunate fingergraphical error.