Diabetes is a major health issue. Many are able to control the blood sugar levels with proper diet and medication. However, the cost of medication is high. In the United States, close to USD 2 billion is spent on diabetes each year. This article provides information on ways to get free diabetic supplies.
Diabetes is a condition that affects 8 percent of the US population. Around 90 percent of the affected people have type 2 diabetes. The ramifications of this condition are pretty serious, as it could put one at a risk of blindness, or heart or kidney failure. However, exercises and diet, along with supplies like glucose meters, test strips, and insulin pumps help to keep a check on this condition. Although, it is not possible to cure it completely, it can certainly be managed with the help of aforementioned techniques.
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the best of the treatment. Moreover, the various products that the patients need, to keep a tab on their sugar levels are also expensive. However, by subscribing to certain medical services, one can avail a plethora of benefits, such as free or cost-effective diabetic supplies.
Procedure for Subscription
Many pharmacists, manufacturers, distributors, or hospitals implement schemes for the free diabetic supplies, one just needs to check if he/she qualifies for these schemes. If one doesn’t qualify, then he/she would need to check the eligibility criteria and complete the required formalities. Once this is done, he/she can check out the website of the providers. No separate insurance cover is required to enjoy the benefits of such schemes.
The patient can register with a provider of his/her choice, and the one closer to the area of residence can be opted for. Thereafter, the online providers get in touch with the insurance company to complete the necessary paperwork. Thus, the diabetic is relieved of the tedious task of filling forms and completing other formalities. The payment will be directly collected from the insurance company and the supplies will be sent to the diabetic.
Other Options
- Contact the local health department to inquire, if he/she qualifies for any of their discount programs/schemes.
- Check with the doctor if he knows of any programs/schemes. Alternatively, the doctor can also write a prescription that can entitle the diabetic for the free scheme at a particular pharmacist.
- Some diabetic products can be given free of cost or at very cheap rates at specifically listed pharmacy shops.
- Many manufacturers offer free schemes for seniors. Since, there is quite a lot of competition (especially between companies manufacturing testing strips), some manufacturers may even provide free testing supplies, as samples, to promote their product.
Supplies Enlisted under the Scheme
Glucose meters and testing strips are the products that are essentially included in the scheme. Besides, some companies may offer insulin, syringes, insulin pumps, insulin pump accessories, diabetic shoes, and diabetic shoe inserts. Along with the user’s manual and other product guides, most companies also provide valuable information on how to live with diabetes. Additionally, one may receive some information on exercising, diabetic diet, nutrition planning, and travel packs (that alleviate the need for refrigeration of diabetic products).
By subscribing to such schemes, the diabetic can actually take a step closer to managing the diabetes. These schemes are of great help to most diabetics, moreover, it is completely hassle free. The diabetic would neither have to wait for the reimbursements nor does he have to stand in long queues at the pharmacist.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.