Insulin Pump Cost

• According to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, insulin pumps cost between $4,500 and $6,500 for individuals without insurance. The price varies depending upon the features, brand and size of the pump. For example, the Accu-Chek Spirit Insulin Pump costs about $4,600 and includes only a few a features, such as software that allows readings to be downloaded to a personal digital assistant (PDA). The Minimed Paradigm 522 is more expensive, retailing at about $5,200, but includes more features, like continuous glucose monitoring.
• Some insurance plans will cover the cost of the pump. Patients with insurance can expect typical copay and coinsurance rates ranging from $5 to half of the total cost of the pump.
• Though most pumps will come with infusion lines, syringes and batteries, the patient will have to continually replace these items. The Brigham and Women's Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, estimates that these items cost about $1,500 per year. Some insurance plans will cover these items, but will be typical coinsurance and copay rates ranging from $5 to 50 percent of the total cost.

• Most pump sets should include the pump device, flexible needles for insertion of the infusion line, infusion lines and tape for securing the infusion line. Infusion lines allow the insulin to run from the pump to the patient's body and the flexible needles allow the line to remain inserted for about 72 hours.
• More expensive pumps can include a clip-on belt or pouch for the pump device or computer software that allows the device to communicate with a personal computer.

• Patients will also need to pay for the insulin delivered via the device. Cost for insulin varies widely depending upon the individual's dosage and brand. The nonprofit group InsulinPumpers.org, reports that the average patient without insurance spends about $785 dollars a year on insulin. More than half of the diabetics on the website report using the prescription insulin medication Humalog. For those with insurance, typical coinsurance and copay rates range from $5 to about 50 percent of the total cost for the items.
• Some manufacturers offer accessories, such as a clip-on belt for the pump or computer software that allows the device to communicate with a home computer.
• Experts advise that patients set up an initial consultation with their physician regarding pump set-up and usage. The switch from injections to pump insulin delivery can be complicated. Regular physician's fees and insurance rates will apply and with insurance coverage can range from $5 to $50.

• The nonprofit group Islets of Hope maintains a list of programs for free or reduced-cost pumps.
• Many other groups, including state and federal agencies, offer low-income families help with prescription costs, including diabetic supplies. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps patients and their families locate these programs at no cost. Patients can log on via the Internet or call (888) 477-2669.
• Talk to your doctor about any local programs that help families afford a pump.

• The patient's physician is the best person to determine if an insulin pump is necessary. For patients who need only small, infrequent or irregular doses of insulin, the pump is usually not needed.
• If the physician prescribes a pump, find out what type or brand of pump he or she recommends. Ask about what features might be best for the patient's needs.
• The American Diabetes Association offers a resource guide, including details on individual pumps, insulin options and infusion sets.
• American Diabetes Wholesale and The Diabetes Store sell a variety of pumps at competitive prices.
• Those with insurance must talk with a company representative prior to purchasing a pump. Ask about the specific pump and accessories desired.

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