Advocates for diabetes patients are voicing concerns that Medicaid cuts taking effect in February will reverse gains South Carolina has made over the past decade in managing diabetics’ health.
Doctors have treated diabetes aggressively in recent years, but cuts in the number of drugs Medicaid covers — reductions state health officials called difficult but necessary — might compromise that focus, they said.
The number of diagnosed cases of adult-onset diabetes has risen dramatically, but the rate of lower- extremity amputations has decreased, according to preliminary findings from the annual report of the Diabetes Initiative of South Carolina.
As a pharmacy tech, I’ve always found it unfair that Medicaid patients get the latest name brand meds/treatments while the working insured have to make do with generics and mainstream treatments. I didn’t realize that our Medicaid was being frugal–diabetic shoes and inserts and insulin pumps for Type 2? Interesting what different states pay for, although every state is going to have to start making choices…
Expanding on what Chris said, Medicare/Medicaid subsidises Type 2 diabetes. I’d be happy to pay for a gym membership for anybody, but I have a real problem with paying for Cadallic medical care for self inflicted diseases. This is also typical of governmental incompetence and duplicity–the same people who are decrying transfats and fast food will be the same people who whine the most about cutting Medicaid. And for those who think I am uncompassiosnate, let me reiterate that I will be happy for Medicaid to pay for a gym membership and registered dietician for anyone who asks. But a system that will pay billions for pallative care but nothing for prevention is worthless and pointless.
I agree with both #1 and #2. Yep, most Diabetes can be prevented. Also, many type 2 diabetics can greatly improve their health with simple diet and exercise. I agree with #2. If Medicaid (actually all insurance companies) would reimburse people for gym memberships instead of last resort surgery, our population would be healthier. I agree with David. Our health care system does not promote health but it should- starting with paying for preventive measures.
So when should the government start paying for gym memberships, before or after people get sick? If before, what triggers entitlement to a gym membership? If after, aren’t we too late? How do people know what they need to do to avoid type 2 diabetes.
RE: “How do people know what they need to do to avoid type 2 diabetes.”
The same way that people know when to get oil changes?
The same way that people know to pay rent?
The same way that people know not to kick puppies?
???
Or is it now the State’s responsibility to provide us all cars and paying-bills 101 lessons?
I’ve got an idea. How about the people who actually own their bodies make their own decisions about how they will treat their bodies?
That’ll work for those who actually are interested in limited government and our Constitution.
For others, it won’t — and there’s no real debating it either. I just wish they’d be consistent and offer us all Free Transportation Care and Free Grocery Care, courtesy of the State.
I have Type 2 diabetes; borderline, and I have never heard of ‘shoes for Type 2 diabetics.’ I eat sensibly and exercise daily, I check my glucose level frequently, I am on Metformin, and I keep my diabetes well under control. Actually, according to my doctor, I’m doing very well. and she may take me off my medication if I continue to do well.
Sarah–People on Medicaid are already semi-wards of the state. We are already providing those things for them. If I have to pay for soemthing, I’d rather pay for gym memberships. And actually we already have a governmental mechanism to provide food education and gym facilities. They are called public schools, but of course heatlth courses in public schools are about condoms, and almost anyone who wants out of physical eduaction can get an exemption. All those jocks from Division 1 colleges who we put through college and are now public school teachers could easily do adult classes. #4 Mitchell–If someone on Mediciad wants to go to a gym, send them to one-preferably the local high school. If someone on Medicaid shows up a a doctor’s office with Type 2 diabetes, send them to a gym. We already have government dieticians out the wazhoo who could do adult education. Most of the ones I know would love to do such classes, but when they do them. no one comes.