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The sad fact of a slowing economy is that one of the first things
people sacrifice when money runs low is their health. They make
fewer trips to the doctor, skip medications and don’t refill medical
supplies. People don’t always realize they don’t have to spend a lot
of money to eat well, when eating well means eating healthy. For
people with diabetes this budget crunching can be not just a little
unhealthy, but dangerous.
People with diabetes have to visit their doctors regularly; they
need glucose monitors and refill strips, some need medications or
insulin and then there are the people who need to see specialists
such as podiatrists, ophthalmologists and neurologists. There are
other supplies to buy such as diabetic socks and shoes, lancets,
alcohol wipes and syringes.
If you can’t buy gas to get to the doctor or groceries to feed
your family, where are you supposed to get money for these supplies?
First of all, ask at your doctor’s office or clinic and see what
kind of assistance you can get there. Pharmaceutical companies leave
free samples for the doctors and clinicians all the time; see if
they have anything they can give you. Ask at your support groups to
see if anyone has any idea there. Let it be known at your church you
are in trouble. Find out from everybody you know if there are any
free diabetic supplies that would be available to you.
After those avenues have been exhausted, it is time to go online.
There are a variety of providers who offer free diabetic supplies to
anyone who has a billable insurance carrier. No deductibles, no
postage or delivery; everything is taken of. You can get all of your
supplies: test strips, glucose pens, lancets and medications are
covered.
Medicare will cover the cost of diabetic socks and shoes if your
doctor writes you a prescription and all the criterion are met, if
you are covered by Medicare, one of these suppliers may cover them ,
too, allowing you to skip the deductible.
If you are caught in a budget crunch, don’t pay for it with your
health. Ask for help and seek out free diabetic supplies to get you
through.
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