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As with any medical condition, once you’ve been diagnosed with
diabetes then you start to realize how much this is going to cost.
With diabetes, there are not only meds to consider, but any number
of supplies: glucose testing monitor, test strips, lancet devices
and lancets, glucose control solution, syringes, even alcohol preps.
This list is not complete, but it gives you a general idea of what
you are up against. There are ways to get help, though, if you are
in financial straits and you may even qualify for free diabetes
supplies.
There are providers who can supply you with free diabetes
supplies if you are covered under any billable insurance. This means
that you have to have some type of coverage, whether it is paid for
by you, your employer, Medicare or Medicaid. You can apply to these
programs online and they will send your supplies to you, free of
charge, in the mail. They also cover the cost of shipping. These
providers are helpful, but what if you don’t have any insurance at
all?
Your first point of contact will be the doctor who diagnosed you,
or at least the facility where you were seen. The pharmaceutical
companies often give clinics, doctors’ offices and medical centers
samples and the healthcare professionals there will pass those items
on to their patients. If you were diagnosed at a hospital or
community medical center, ask to see the social worker or someone
who can help you with finding sources for free diabetes supplies.
Check the local hospitals in your area to see of there are any
diabetes support groups that meet there. Its possible that the group
is sponsored by or receives donations from companies that make and
sell diabetes supplies. It also is helpful to develop friendships
with people who have medical concerns similar to yours. If they
discover a source for free diabetes supplies, they will be sure to
share the information with their peers.
It may also be possible to get help getting diabetes supplies
from church groups or charities. If you are a member of a church,
don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Medical supplies are expensive and
if you are uninsured, you need to seek help and while there are
people out there to help you, they do not know you exist, you have
to find them and let them know you need help.
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