UOAA Discussion Board

I’m trying to find out what will be covered with this new insurance plan. It is BCBS gold plan. I’ve been on the phone for over an hour and am still confused. I’ve always used Edgepark. They tell me now I must get supplies within my area. I’m in a very rural area and there is no one close. Has anyone had this problem or can offer advise?

Contact your local hospital or Ostomy nurse. They should be able to tell you the nearest ostomy supply store. Usually near a major hospital, a store front that sells medical durable supplies, like hospital beds, wheel chairs, life chairs, etc. Personally I've been using a local place for several years now and prefer it over Edgepark, etc.

Many years ago, I was getting my supplies at something like Edgepark, had a simple question, called them up, was told they could not give medical advice and that I would need to see my surgeon for answer, what???? shock!!! For a simple question at that time would have cost me a $100.00 to get an answer. Went to a store front that I knew sold Ostomy supplies, they were more than happy to assist me, gave me my answer and they have been getting me my supplies ever since.

Living in Phoenix Arizona where summer temperatures can get over 120, I don't want my supplies sitting out in the sun due to delivery issues, something that did happen with those supplies places. Many times I had to stay at home or near in case supplies showed up that day. Now, I call my order in advance at my store front and I go and pick up a few days later. Easy and I'm in control.

Learned recently because I was due for my colonoscopy, my surgeon's office is now supplying these ostomy supplies for his patients. My back up plan. Maybe something to check into. My surgeon is a colon rectal surgeon.

Regarding cost, my supplies were at one time 100% covered, Obamacare changed that. My husband's medical plan follows the BCBS plan, but are self insured. For us, plan pays 80%, we pay the 20%. It is deemed a gold plan also, so that may be what your cost will be.

Good luck, my person issues are with coronavirus and getting supplies. I have a few weeks as a back up, but worry about the long term.

Nickolas