If you don't have health insurance or are not entitled to help from the National Health Service, diabetes testing and medication can be very expensive.Some companies, state programs, insurance companies and medical centers give free or low-cost meters, strips and medication.You can find out how to get free diabetes supplies by contacting several programs.
Step 1: Get insurance.
You should enroll in an insurance program if you don't already have insurance.Under basic coverage, insurance can provide free or discounted diabetes supplies.Under theAffordable Care Act, you can enroll in an insurance program through healthcare.gov.You can't be turned down for preexisting conditions under AFA, and you may be eligible for a discounted premium.If you have a question, you can call the toll-free number.Private insurance programs can be pursued on your own.You will need a health insurance physical to determine your pay rate.If you already have diabetes, this choice may be expensive.It may increase your monthly premium.If you are currently employed, you should know if your employer provides health care options and what you need to do to get on their plan.
Step 2: You can call your insurance company.
If you're already insured, talk to your insurance company about diabetes coverage.You can ask them what supplies will be covered under their program, what the copay is, and whether local pharmacies will offer you free or discounted supplies.If you're dissatisfied with your current coverage, consider an alternative plan.
Step 3: Consider Medicare.
Medicare provides discounted health care to those over the age of 65.If you need help paying for diabetes supplies, look into Medicare.Basic medical insurance is provided by Medicare.Blood sugar self-testing equipment, supplies, and therapeutic shots will be covered in Part B.If you have or are at risk for diabetes, you'll be encouraged to enroll in Medicare Part D, which is Medicare's prescription drug coverage.This will cover anti-diabetic drugs.Medicare can be a form of payment for health care providers.If your medicare is denied, you'll have to pay full costs of coverage.
Step 4: Try Medicaid.
Medicaid is a health insurance plan for low income people.You can get diabetes supplies for free or at a discounted rate if you qualify for Medicaid.Most medical issues should be covered by Medicaid.Diabetes supplies and doctor's appointments will be covered.Before making an appointment, make sure the health insurance provider you choose is accepted by Medicaid.You will be expected to pay full costs if your doctor does not accept Medicaid.
Step 5: If you are a veteran, ask for benefits.
US veterans are entitled to certain health care benefits when they return from active duty.Call your local VA office to inquire about coverage.Diabetes can be caused by certain herbicides that veterans are exposed to.You may be entitled to full coverage and disability assistance if this is the case for you.Even if your diabetes is not a result of your service, you are entitled to some health care coverage as a veteran.Depending on your program and benefits, a variety of diabetes supplies may be covered.Call your local VA office to inquire about coverage.
Step 6: Try both Rx Assist and Rx Hope.
Depending on your age, income level, profession, and other factors, many organizations can help you find access to free diabetic supplies.The websites Rx Assist and Rx Hope can help you find the right organization.The database of pharmaceutical assistance programs is provided by Rx Assist.You can search by location, health condition, age, income level, and other factors.If you want to get free or discounted meds, Rx Hope can help you.If you need help with paperwork and other logistical issues after finding a program through Rx Assist, you can get assistance from Rx Hope.
Step 7: There is a website called Needy Meds.
Similar to Rx Assist, Needy Meds has a database of assistantship programs.If you're having trouble navigating Rx Hope, you might consider searching for information on free diabetes supplies going through Needy Meds.
Step 8: The Partnership for Prescription Assistance can be contacted.
If you don't have prescription drug coverage under your insurance, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance can help you find an assistance program.You need to fill out and submit an online application.After completing the application, someone from the PPA will contact you with a list of assistantship programs that could help you get free medication.You have to complete applications to individual programs on your own.You can't grant yourself free health care on your own.
Step 9: If you are a senior, look into Benefits Check Up.
If you're a senior, benefits check up can help you find free diabetes supplies.You can use the database to find programs that help you pay for medication, utilities, and other needs.
Step 10: Go for a campaign.
You can crowd fun for a variety of causes on the website GoFundMe.You can ask friends and family to help you pay for your diabetes medication on a GoFundMe page.There is a flat fee of 5% on all donations.The total money collected for your cause may not be the total amount you receive.You can't hold an online for very long.Try to get your attention.Discuss your financial situation and cost of medication.Give a range of donations that would be helpful.If you receive donations, be very nice.
Step 11: An event is held to raise money.
Any get together where guests are asked to donate money can be an event fundraiser.Many people with health problems host events in their hometowns or cities to raise money.People will enjoy the event.Competitions draw in crowds.Try to work with a local business.A local bar might host a drink night where a certain percentage of their profit goes to your cause.The cheapest way to advertise is on social media.You can ask local newspapers and radios to spread the word by putting up fliers around town.
Step 12: There are opportunities to raise money in your area.
Hospitals, churches, community centers, and other organizations raise money for specific medical issues.They can deliver free medical supplies or help people find ways to get free health coverage.If any existing organizations are willing to help you, ask around at local establishments.
Step 13: There are any local free clinics to look into.
You can go to a free health clinic if you don't have health insurance.It can take a long time to get an appointment at these clinics, which only accept patients in the county where they are located.Some types of surgery can be included in the services offered.If you can't find a way to get free testing supplies, there are on-line sources that are very affordable with low shipping costs or free shipping with a minimum purchase.You can save more when you catch a sale.
Step 14: Control diabetes.
You should be educated so that you can better understand how this disease works.Knowledge is power.You can learn how to make lifestyle choices that will put you in the driver's seat.Put what you learn into action.Action leads to results.It's important to have an attitude in managing diabetes.Look at diabetes as an opportunity to live a healthier life that may even be better than you've ever lived before, instead of viewing it as a compromised life filled with "do's" and "don'ts".Instead of trying to fix the old one, embrace a totally new lifestyle.Walk away from your life and never look back.Diabetes management isn't giving up on living but rather is considering it to be a way to move up to a new, different way of living that is healthier and more enjoyable.
Step 15: If you join a free online group like dLife, you can learn more about diabetes from their expert staff who will answer your questions.
They have a lot of informative articles.Don't think you will be perfect.As you go through the discouragements, learn to forgive yourself.Don't ever quit!