We write the prescriptions in this way to ensure that our patients obtain enough strips to test as frequently as necessary.

1. Insulin syringes.

2. Insulin. (Am I limited to a particular brand of insulin?) Do I need prior authorization to use insulin pens? This is very important especially if you wish to insulin in schools, as many schools require insulin in pen form if you do basal/bolus therapy. Some insurance companies have higher co-pays based on brand of insulin simply because they reached a better deal with the pharmaceutical company. Most insulins in a certain category behave similarly. Sometimes the diabetes physician may want to use certain insulin for specific reasons and may have to write on the prescription that is medically necessary and fight with the insurance company to have the same co-pay as for the other insulin.

3. Lancets.

4. Ketone test strips--can you use individually foil wrapped ketone strips? Can you use blood ketone test strips (precision extra)?

5. Glucagon emergency kit. Can you have one for home and one for school? Can you have one at each parent's home if there is joint custody?

6. Does my insurance plan have a mail order program for maintenance medication? It may be cheaper to get your prescriptions by mail.

7. Does my insurance plan have a DME (durable medical equipment contract (for diabetes supplies other than medication, as in syringes, test strips, lancets, etc?) This is an extremely important aspect of an insurance plan. Does it cover an insulin pump in full, or a percentage? Does the plan cover continuous glucose sensors, pens, etc? Do you need pre-authorization ?

It is extremely important to make a detailed list of questions to ask any potential insurance plan to make an educated choice. My suggestion is to ask your diabetes team the plusses and minuses of each insurance plan in your locality. In this way, you will be able to decide which is best for your family.