Don't want this to become an emergency. Either the company didn't tell her or she didn't understand she is in the GAP. No secondary ins. No part D. No family that can help with that much money. She won't even have it after she gets her check because other family members put her in debt and house problems are taking it all. Husband and I are trying to help get things straightened out again but we don't know about this 'GAP', part D, or even secondary ins. This is all a learning experience on a very fast pace! We are trying to get hold of her DR. The ER is a last resort. We don't know much about the insilin except its a blue pen. All she tells us is she'll be fine. Worried to say the least.
Insulin is VERY expensive. It is a financial burden even if you have excellent insurance coverage.
The Medicare gap (so-called donut hole) is CRAZY!! And what did the great minds of Congress do to solve it when they finally couldn't ignore it? Started phasing it out in dribs and drabs over several years. Grrrrr ....
Neither of those comments helps resolve your issue, but I just picked up my own insulin supply and I needed to vent a little.
Which Medicare program is your MIL on? I find the Advantage programs, e.g. Blue Advantage or Humana, are the best. Prescription drug coverage is included with the programs. If your MIL is not on a good program, see about switching her over. My mother has Blue Advantage, which has been very good.
I've always been a bit skittish about the diabetes supplies and medicines through the mail. I prefer to have a relationship with a local pharmacist. They can help out a lot in situations such as this. Without the help of the pharmacist, the only thing I can think of is to get the prescription from a doctor, then pay out of pocket on your credit card. Not getting the insulin is not an option.
What about an RN that can prescribe? What about an RN that can get a doctor to call in the script?
How about Urgent Care? Take all of her records with you. I think the money is going to be the biggest problem.
You can call various pharmacies while you're waiting for the doctor's return call to ensure that they're open today.
And stay with her for several hours to make sure she's stable.
All of the Part D and GAP issues are secondary to getting her insulin ASAP.
If you can't get to the doctor, do in fact take her to the ER, not as a last but as a secondary resort. But I wouldn't wait longer than 1/2 or maybe even an hour as you prepare to pick her up for a trip to the ER.
You don't know how long she's been w/o insulin and don't want to risk a catastrophic event.
As as to Part D, I did a lot of research and break-even analysis before deciding Part D coverage would cost us more than just comparison shopping.
I would also investigate what the real reason is for her not having insulin - perhaps she just didn't realize she needed it, but take action to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Good luck - I hope you get some results ASAP!