Diabetes Device Choices
This is a personalized report of your diabetes device recommendations and choices. This report is a guide not a clinical recommendation. It's a guide based on your input, the best advice from Standford and the first hand knowledge of the T1 Community at DiabetesWise.org.
Overview
Sensor & Pump
Eversense & Omnipod
The Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin, so you can be discrete when needed. Having a sensor and Omnipod pump, you have good info for how to make dosing decisions.
*You will need an iPhone to use the Eversense sensor.
Sensor & Pump
Medtronic Sensor & Tandem Pump
With a pump and sensor you have a lot of manual control. The Tandem pump allows you to bolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.
Priority: Overall
Next Steps
You're going to do great on the devices you choose
Talk to your provider to get a prescription. Advocate for yourself with a list of reasons why you believe it is best for your lifestyle.
Talk to the device companies about the device you want and if your insurance will cover it. They can help with this.
Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. every insurance company is different but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.
Visit https://study.diabeteswise.org/resources/getting-treatment/qualify-for-insurance/ for more resources.
Questions for your Doctor
Eversense & Omnipod
Can I try this before I commit to it?
A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.
Medtronic Sensor & Tandem Pump
Can I try this before I commit to it?
A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.
Questions for your insurance
Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. Every insurance company is different, but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.
Talk to the device companies
Eversense
Either call the phone number here to ask about getting started or fill out the form that is linked here to get started.
1-844-736 7348 Eversense WebsiteOmnipod
Call Omnipod and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-800-591-3455 Omnipod WebsiteGuardian Connect
Call Medtronic and ask them about how much it will cost with your insurance coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-800-646 4633 Medtronic WebsiteTandem t:slim X2
Call Tandem and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-877-801-6901 Tandem WebsiteAdditional Resources
By Priorities
Active Lifestyle
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Comfort
Easy Insulin Dosing
Easy to Use
Fewer Fingersticks
Privacy
Cost & Coverage
Eversense
Guardian Connect
Glucose Testing Supplies
Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)
Sensors
Transmitter
Glucose Testing Cost Estimate
Startup Bridge Program $99.
This is a trial program and there are eligibility requirements that should be considered prior.
Eversense is covered by select insurers, including Cigna and Medicare.
Startup $69 to $206
Monthly $32 to $97
These prices vary by Insurance. If you call Medtronic they will start a process to check exactly how much your costs will be. Generally Medtronic pumps and sensors are covered by private insurance and medicare. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.
Omnipod
Tandem t:slim X2
Insulin Dosing Supplies
Pods
Reader
Insulin
Pump
Charger
Insulin Cartridges
Infusion Sites
Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate
Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly
Omnipod is now covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurers.
Startup $5 to $6,995
Monthly $20 to $200