
April 21, 2000
Social Issues: Insurance/Costs
Question from Mamaroneck, New York, USA:
Can you please tell me the New York state law that requires medical insurance companies to cover costs of insulin and diabetes supplies?
Answer:
Yes there is a law in NY, the Spano law, that requires insurance companies to reimburse for insulin and diabetic supplies at the same rate as other prescription medications. (If you don’t have a prescription plan, the insurance company is not required to pay for insulin or diabetic supplies).
If you have a prescription plan and are having trouble getting these items paid for, call your insurance company and ask how to get these items paid for (do not ask if they are covered). Many insurance companies will require that you get these supplies by mail order and will not pay if you go to your local drug store and use your prescription card. If you have any trouble, tell the insurance company you are going to contact the attorney general, and then do so.
TGL