This week has been a whirlwind. On Wednesday, October 29, my husband was laid off, along with a number of others from his company. Two days later, on Friday, October 31, our health insurance ended. We were given just a 48-hour notice that our Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage was expiring. Of course, COBRA is an option going forward. But for now, I needed more insulin before we were cut off.

So here we were: two months left in the year, our out-of-pocket maximum already met, and no insurance. Between my diabetic supplies, my surgery earlier this year, and Ben’s two surgeries, along with other family health issues, we had already paid the maximum out-of-pocket. And suddenly, we were without coverage.

The Importance of a Stockpile

Looking back, I am so thankful that I had been building up a supply of CGM and pump supplies over the past few months. After a herniated disc in my neck and the need for steroids (which caused my blood sugar to skyrocket), I started going through my diabetic supplies and insulin at an alarming rate. I asked my endocrinologist for increased prescriptions, and since June, I’ve been able to build a comfortable stockpile.

As a diabetic, having extra supplies isn’t about “working the system” — it’s survival. Insurance is unpredictable, and prices for diabetic supplies are ridiculous. Stockpiling as much as possible is a real stress reliever. Knowing I have enough CGM and pump supplies to last several weeks gives me peace of mind during an uncertain time.

Navigating the Pharmacy Maze

While I could stockpile my CGM and pump supplies, I wasn’t able to stockpile insulin. Insurance only allows me to get a one-month supply at a time. One vial lasts about 20 days, so if I time it just right, I can get two life-saving vials in one pharmacy trip, enough to last 40 days. Insulin was free on our BCBS plan, and I didn’t want to risk waiting and discovering how expensive it would be without insurance.

On the last day of our insurance, I called the Walmart pharmacy, which has been great to me, to see if they could refill early. My prescription was set to renew on November 3. They tried their best, but their system wouldn’t allow it. Next, I contacted the local hospital pharmacy, where I also have a prescription on file. They have a “magical button” that Walmart doesn’t have, and I was able to pick up two vials right before BCBS ended.

Trusting God Through Uncertainty

Through all of this, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of peace. As a type 1 diabetic, it’s startling to realize how dependent I am on insulin and modern diabetic management tools. Just a small lapse could be catastrophic. And yet, I don’t feel paralyzed by fear. I know God is going to provide, even if His provision doesn’t always look the way I expect. Looking back, I cannot recall a time He left me stranded, and that gives me a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

I’ve learned to focus on what I can control: building a stockpile, managing my health, and trusting that God is in control. It’s easier said than done, but concentrating on the practical steps I can take while leaving the rest in God’s hands keeps me grounded.

Takeaways from This Week

• Stockpile supplies when you can. Even a small buffer can prevent unnecessary stress. Ask your doctor to increase your prescription so you can create a stockpile.
  
• Know your pharmacy options. Systems are flawed, and having alternatives can be lifesaving.
  
• Trust and faith matter. Panic doesn’t help. Stay grounded. Pray. Control the things you can, and pray for wisdom on how to move forward.
  

This week has been a stark reminder of how fragile life can feel for someone with a chronic condition. But it’s also a reminder of God’s faithfulness, the importance of preparation, and the little victories that keep us moving forward.