From: gtrapp@abq.com
Subject: Medical Insurance
Dear Listers,
Well, my response to Peter has generated some interesting comments. 
Richard asked about funding of a talking glucometer for his
significant other, who is a sighted diabetic.  This is certainly a
subject I can empathize with, as my sighted mother is a very
brittle diabetic, and I frequently must pull her out of insulin
reactions.  On those occasions, I have desperately wished for a
talking glucometer.  Of course, a blind diabetic can certainly get
medical insurance coverage of a talking glucometer.  However, if
Richard is his significant other's care giver, than I would think
that Richard could probably get a talking glucometer funded through
her insurance, though it may take some convincing.  The best
argument is probably that the item is necessary in order for
Richard to provide her with proper care, and that a talking
glucometer would prevent trips to the emergency room,
hospitalizations, or the potential complications of uncontrolled
blood sugar.  Naturally, the fact that this would save the hospital
money would help.  Such arguments might have to be raised on appeal
of an initial denial.  I am certainly not an expert on talking
glucometers, so I would suggest that persons interested in talking
glucometers contact the NFB Diabetic Division to find out about the
latest developments in this area.
As for Al's comments, I absolutely agree that the differences
between what is allowed and what is disapproved is sometimes
esoteric.
Greg
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