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Where Can I Get Free Diabetic Supplies

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Financial Help For Diabetes Care

Cash For Diabetic Test Strips and Other supplies!

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Diabetes management is expensive. According to the American Diabetes Association , the average cost of health care for a person with diabetes is $16,752 a yearmore than twice the cost of health care for a person without diabetes.1

Many people who have diabetes need help paying for their care. You can find help through private or government health insurance, local programs, patient support groups, and medicine-assistance programs. You can also find ways to save money on diabetes medicines and supplies.

Option : Contact Local Diabetes Advocacy Organizations

Diabetes education centers or local branches of advocacy organizations may collect diabetes supplies themselves or be able to refer you to other donation sites.

  • Guardian3 sensors

  • Glucose test strips

Read the specifics for donating and find mailing instructions here. If you or someone you know need help paying for diabetes supplies, you can apply for assistance through CR3 Diabetes.

SafeNetRx collects medical supplies and redistributes them to people in need living in Iowa. The organization currently only accepts sealed and unexpired lancets, syringes, needles, and glucose test trips. To donate or learn more, click here.

Thank you for taking the time to donate your old diabetes supplies to those who need it. At diaTribe we are grateful each day for the strength and generosity of the diabetes community. Given the immense need, were hopeful that someday soon there may be easier and more effective ways to also donate unused diabetes medications.

Other Donations That Make A Difference

To support the ADA in our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes, you can make a cash or non-cash donation. For non-cash donations, the ADA is currently only accepting vehicles. We currently do not accept items, such as jewelry, coins and sports memorabilia, however for these and household items, such as, furniture, clothes, etc., we recommend you contact:

  • Goodwill
  • Salvation Army
  • Local shelters or relief agencies

Give them a call or check their website to find out what type of donations they accept.

Also Check: List Of Insulins For Diabetes

Donate Diabetes Supplies How To + Top Options

Looking to make a switch to a new glucose meter, but you still have months and months of strips and cartridges to get through and want to make sure they get used?

First off, good for you for not wanting to be wasteful! Diabetes supplies are tough to come bywhich well get to laterand we should all do what we can to ensure no strip, pens, or cartridges are wasted.

The good news is that its incredibly easy to donate those old supplies, allowing you to enjoy your new glucose meter without worrying about wasting unused diabetes supplies.

Today well break down the steps to take to donate your unused supplies to ensure they get in the right hands. But first, lets talk about the current state of diabetes supplies and medication.

How Do I Afford My Test Strips

DIA

You have other options. If you can not find free test strips, you can get short-dated test strips. Short-dated test strips are 90% off retail prices. You can even get name brand test strips for less than $5. You can save hundreds of dollars a month by buying short-dated test strips. Several studies have found that short-dated test strips are just as accurate as test strips with a year until expiration.

If you need longer dated test strips, some manufacturers will exchange your expired test strips for a fresh box. They do keep your information on file and will only provide you with one box of free test strips.

At Glucomart you can find very inexpensive name brand test strips at very low prices. Visit our store today and start saving.

About CA

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How To Get Free Diabetic Supplies

If youre one of the 30 million Americans living with diabetes, chances are youve noticed how expensive the supplies necessary to treat the condition are. From glucose meters to syringes, test strips, and insulin pumps, the cost of a diabetes diagnosis can add up. Self-monitoring of blood glucose with test strips alone can cost upwards of 25% of all diabetes and insulin supply costs, with the price of products varying dramatically between brands.

Fortunately, there are several ways people can save on the supplies they need to treat and manage diabetes, and in some cases, get free diabetic supplies.

Get A Free Diabetes Meal Plan

Get a free 7-Day Diabetes Meal Plan from Constance Brown-Riggs who is a Registered Dietitian-Certified Diabetes Educator and who is also a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Just enter in your email below to download your free Diabetes Meal Plan.

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Abbot Diabetes Care Division

When it comes to diabetic care, Abbot has never disappointed, and that is all the more reason you should check their FreeStyle range of accessories. Thanks to their program, you can qualify for any type of Freestyle glucometer. Whats more, you also get a bunch of test strips as an add-on after you complete the registration for the FreeStyle Promise.

If you do not have working insurance, you can check out the Neo meter from Freestyle. This product is available over the counter, at your local pharmacy, without a prescription for it either. You can qualify for cheap Neo meters here.If you are using the Freestyle glucometer from Abbott, you can either the Lite or the InsulinX variant of strips from the brand.

Contact: 1-888-522-5226

Talk To Your Insurance Provider

Diabetic SPIBelt Holds Your Insulin Pump

Find out what insulins are covered by your insurance provider. Ask for a list of covered medications and their co-payments. With this information, you may be able to find a cheaper alternative than what your doctor has prescribed.

You usually cant combine coupons and insurance coverage, so you may discover that your insulin is actually cheaper without insurance.

Also Check: High Blood Sugar And Insulin

Check Discount Pharmacy Cards And Options

Health insurance is a nightmare, right? Fortunately, there are discount savings cards and other programs that can help.

For example, Blink Health is working with Eli Lilly to offer a 40% discount on Lilly insulin. The discount is honored at 67,000 local pharmacies nationwide. Anyone can participate because there are no monthly fees or premiums. Blink Health also has a Roche Diabetes Patient Care program that offers a free Accu-Chek Guide meter, discounted test strips and more.

There Are 3 Reasons Insulin Is So Expensive

The original insulin patent from the University of Toronto was sold for just $1, with the understanding that cheap insulin would be widely available.

Although insulin was affordable for a long time, the price has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2001, a 10-mm vial of Lantus was $40. By 2018, it was $275.

Why? There are three main reasons.

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The Manufacturing Process Has Changed

One reason that the price has changed is because of changing technologies and manufacturing processes. Synthetic human insulin debuted in the 1980s and genetically modified analog insulin was developed in the 1990s.

Analogs are more effective and predictable. They also take effect faster and are better at stabilizing blood sugar levels. Because they are so superior, 96% of US insulin prescriptions are for analog medications.

Look For Local Programs That Can Help

Medicool DIA

There are many local charities that provide prescription assistance. Here are the ones weve found so far:

Susan Main

Monday 6th of May 2019

I have Medicare but can’t always afford my co pay. I have diabetes 2 plus other health problems.I take about 10 prescriptions a day as well as two different insulins.I am on social security and low income.Where can I find help with my prescriptions?

Riley Thomson

Monday 6th of May 2019

Susan,Here is everything we have for free insulin and cheap diabetic supplies. Be sure to click on the links within the article for more information on each resource. I hope this helps.-Riley

Also Check: Do You Give Insulin If Blood Sugar Is High

Welcome To Advanced Diabetes Supply

Our Customer Care team will take the time necessary to answer any questions you may have about your insurance coverage, guidelines, requirements, new products, how to use your new products and much more. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge, products and services you need to help make managing your diabetes easier.

What Health Insurance Plans Cover People With Diabetes

Health insurance helps pay for medical care, including the cost of diabetes care. Your health insurance options are

Under current law, health insurance companies cant refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a pre-existing conditionthat is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts.

Changes to insurance rules happen often and may affect your health insurance choices. Learn more or get help with your health insurance questions through

  • HealthCare.gov , the federal marketplace, 1-800-318-2596, TTY: 1-855-889-4325
  • copayments and deductibles
  • health care providersdo your providers participate in the plan, or will you have to change providers or pay more to see your current providers because they are out of network?

Ask for a Summary of Benefits and Coverage, which explains the plan in plain language, including free preventive services. This summary may include a coverage example for managing diabetes.

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Free Insulin For A Year From Sanofi Patient Connection

Sanofi may send you free insulin if you meet the program eligibility requirements. In fact, their Patient Assistance Connection program helps with ADMELOG, Apidra, Lantus, SOLIQUA, Toujeo and more!

In order to qualify, you must be a US citizen, have no insurance coverage for the medication you are seeking and you must have a household income that is equal to or less than 250% of the federal poverty level.

Sanofi does not request any income information. According to their website, they will pull your credit report and estimate your income based on the information they find there.

If you are accepted, you will receive free medication for up to 12 months. If you continue needing assistance beyond that time, you can reapply each year.

How To Get Unlimited Test Strips And Personal Diabetes Coaching

HOW I ORGANIZE MY DIABETES SUPPLIES

Low-cost monthly subscription services from mySugr, One Drop, DarioHealth, and Livongo

Getting blood glucose meter supplies can be a real hassle dealing with prescriptions and insurance, going to the pharmacy, ordering refills, and then doing it all over again when supplies run out. To help, there are now several subscription programs that offer a BGM and unlimited test strips automatically delivered to your front door at a low monthly price often less expensive than a copay and you dont have to deal with any insurance. Each of these services also offers personal, in-app coaching from a real person. Read on for the options!

mySugr

mySugr offers a $49/month subscription service that comes with a starter kit of an Accu-Check Guide blood glucose meter, 250 test strips, and the extra features available in the mySugr Pro app. Users also have access to on-demand coaching through the app and automatically receive unlimited test strips by mail. The widely-loved mySugr app receives blood glucose values automatically from the meter and allows for lifestyle logging and data analysis. With 1.8 million users and very strong reviews, mySugr reports that it is the most downloaded diabetes app in the world . Get more information about the subscription here.

One Drop

DarioHealth

Livongo

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How To Care For Diabetes

If you’re diabetic, there are some things you can do to keep yourself healthy. When you know how to care for diabetes, it’s much easier to handle your condition. Start by quitting smoking if you’re a smoker, and adapt your diet to include a healthy, balanced nutritional plan. Include fiber supplements or high-fiber foods in your diet to help keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Get plenty of exercise each day and make sure that you stay as mobile as possible to keep your circulation and heart in healthy shape. Talk to your doctor about how to care for diabetes and ask them about any new medications or treatments. You should also get regular check-ups to ensure that your diabetes is under control.

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Keeping Health Insurance After Leaving A Job

A federal law called COBRA allows you to stay on your employers health plan for 18 to 36 months after leaving a job. Youll pay both your own monthly premiums and the employers portion, so your cost is likely to be higher than before.

  • People with a disability may be able to extend COBRA coverage for an extra 11 months.
  • COBRA may also cover young adults who age out of a parents policy when they reach the age limit of 26.

Learn more about COBRA online or call the U.S. Department of Labor at 18664USADOL .

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Sanofi Patient Assistance Connection

This program is specifically geared to support individuals in need of resources related to diabetes and insulin. If you qualify for the Patient Assistance Connection, you can get medicines and additional medical resources without paying a fee. However, this only applies to some selected and specific prescriptions of Sanofi.

The North American Wing of Sanofi hosts the program, and to qualify, you must be a permanent US resident or a resident of the participating US territories. Next, you need to have a medical history with a US medicine practitioner. This can be in the past, but the practitioner needs to be a fully licensed doctor operating in the US.

You are also expected to meet the income threshold, where your income cannot be more than 400% of the current poverty level in America. If you qualify for Medicaid, make sure all the necessary documentation is sent in even before assessing.

Applying for Assistance with Sanofi

If you want to get a vaccine from the company, you need to be 19 years old. To apply for this program, you need to fill out the form on this page. Next, you need to get this form to your healthcare practitioner. Fill out all the information, or else your application may be delayed. You can also physically post your form to Sanofis Charlotte office.

Fax: 1.888.847.1797. Apply here.

The United States Does Not Have Price Controls

Dollar Diabetic Supply

However, one of the main reasons that insulin is so expensive in the United States is simply because we do not have any price controls. Only 7% of the worlds diabetics live in North America, and yet North America is responsible for 52% of global insulin revenue.

There is a raging debate in the United States about how health care should be paid for. Some favor universal health care others prefer our current system. Either way, we need cheap diabetic supplies and more reasonable insulin prices.

I, personally, agree with Dr. Ira B. Hirsch:

is not a concierge drug that should be used by only those who can afford it. Insulin, in my view, is a right, not a privilege. And although I have no problems with the newest and greatest insulins receiving whatever cost the market can bear, older insulins yes, including the insulin analogs ideally should be made available for all Americans at a reasonable cost.

This concept may seem counter-intuitive for many in the United States and perhaps would make us look more like our neighbors and our friends in Europe. But to those who detest the thought of having our government involved in the distribution of insulin, I would say that I detest more the pain, suffering, cost, and potential death from diabetic ketoacidosis resulting from patients inability to afford insulin. Insulin should be readily available to anyone who needs it.

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Free Discount Cards And Coupons

Even when your medical insurance covers diabetes, you are expected to pay high copayment fees. The co-insurance costs in these cases may also shoot up. This is one of the main reasons several medicine manufacturers extend their assistance to individuals who currently have working medical insurance.

Depending on the medical manufacturer, you can be eligible for many coupons and discount cards. Once you apply them, your copayments will be significantly lower. That means you will pay much less every time you pick a new prescription. Almost all leading pharmaceutical companies offer these cards.

To check whether your preferred company offers this, visit their website and search for any patient support or assistance guide/program.Bottom Line

Since weve listed quite a few companies here, you will find a range of different coverage options and insurance plans.Check out all the programs listed here and pick the one that best meets your needs. You will soon enjoy free supplies once your registration is accepted. Because the qualification requirements for most of these programs are pretty simple, anyone with an economically challenged background can qualify for and avail of these programs.

Check Your Medicare Summary Notice And Medicare Bills

Check your Medicare Summary Notice and other medical information to see if you were charged for items you did not order or did not receive. Also, check for items that were billed multiple times, such as glucose meters, diabetes test strips and lancets, and other supplies. Report any irregular activity to your health care provider and the OIG Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS or online at .

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