Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealth Group made a deal with Kalamazoo, Mich.-based medical technology producer Medtronic in May, which effectively decreased the number of in-network portable insulin pumps it offers members from nine to three, The New York Times reported.
Effective July 1, two Medtronic pumps and one produced by Billerica, Mass.-based Insulet, will be offered to UnitedHealth members. While UnitedHealth said the deal will brim costs and steer members toward quality devices, patients argue the deal will require some to settle for pumps they do not prefer.
If patients prefer a different pump, which can cost $5,000 or more, they will foot some or all of the cost, the New York Times reported. UnitedHealth said it will make exceptions for patients who medically need an out-of-network pump.
Organizations like the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation said what pump patients use should remain their choice.
The changes will not affect all members right away, and do not apply to members 18 and younger or Medicare Advantage members.