FAQs About Our Assistance Programs
- How long does the application process take? How fast you and your doctor provide us with all the information we need has a lot to do with how fast we can help you. Once we do have ALL the necessary paperwork on file to process your application a decision will generally be made within thirty (30) days. If you are approved, your approval letter will tell you when your assistance will be shipped. If you are not approved your letter will indicate why we could not help you at this time.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON INSULIN PUMPS: We are currently only working with Animas Corp. to place recertified insulin pumps. Once we send a pump to a company to be recertified for you, we have no control over how fast the pump is recertified and sent to you from the manufacturer.
- How can I check the status of my application? We do not have paid staff so there is no one to take your call. Please Email Us. with questions about application status.
Application Backlog Update: We typically have more than 100 active applications we are working on fulfilling for those who were approved for assistance. Our donations of diabetes supplies have significantly dropped so our supplies on hand are lower than usual. This means it takes more time to get you the supplies you need. We ship out donated supplies to you as quickly as we possibly can.
Please understand that, iPump is still being run by one full-time volunteer who also is privately funding all expenses associated with helping you. Your patience is appreciated.
- Do I have to have diabetes? Yes.
- How can I apply for benefits? Start here!
- How are applications approved? Our program director reviews applications to make sure we have all the information we need. Completed applications are sent to our Board of Directors for approval, or, in some cases, as has been authorized by the Board in advance, may be approved by the program director.
- Is there an appeals process if my application is denied? Yes, if you are denied assistance by the program director, you may appeal to the board for reconsideration.
- How much assistance can I receive? We offer temporary assistance with free diabetes supplies for three to six months. How many supplies you receive from us is determined by your unique situation and by how many supplies have been donated to us that we can give to you. Certain pump supplies and test strips are often limited because we receive so few donations of them.
- What does it cost to apply? Applying for assistance is free.
- Are there any other fees I should know about? If you apply for a free, recertified insulin pump you may need to pay part of the recertification fee if we are charged one. Please read about our insulin pump assistance program for more details.
By year-end 2009 we will be moving to an online ordering system. This means if you are approved you will be able to visit our store and order your own supplies. This will give our clients the greatest flexibility in ordering what they need and prefer.
In the past,iPump paid for all shipping but because our shipping bill has often exceeded $1,000 per month, we will be requiring all approved applicants who order free supplies through our store to pay a flat $20 copay to cover shipping and handling charges. This fee is not tax deductible for you as it is not a donation and the value of supplies you will receive will far exceed the $20 fee.
- I have insurance, make too much money for public assistance, or, I am already getting assistance from some other source or program. Will any of these things affect my application? We look at each applicant's overall unique and individual circumstance. If there is a true need based on not having the financial or other resources you need to take care of your diabetes, we try to help. However, if the reason you are having financial troubles is due to excessive voluntary debt, unnecessary, or poor spending habits, you should not apply.
- I have bad credit. I am behind in my bills. I filed bankruptcy. Does this mean you won’t help me? Again, our main concern is that you have the supplies you need to manage your diabetes. We look at each applicant's situation as unique and try to take your entire situation under consideration. Your past credit history is less important than your current financial status. You need to be able to afford the cost of monthly insulin pump supplies to get a pump from us, and if you are already unable to meet your current obligations the added cost of $200-$250 per month for pump supplies may not be something you can afford right now.
- How can I thank you? Many of our clients ask how they can ever repay us for helping them. There is no need to repay us for our help ... it's what we are happy and able to do thanks to our generous donors. Our donors are the ones who deserve thanks!
