The rising cost of essential diabetes supplies is creating new challenges for people with this chronic disease. Diabetic test strips and other crucial supplies, like glucose meters and syringes, are not always covered by health insurance. Diabetics experience high medical costs to manage their blood sugar and properly care for themselves on a daily basis.
If you are a diabetic in need of supplies or care for a person with diabetes, there are options. It’s possible to help curb the high cost associated with this condition. Below are some savvy tips on ways to help manage your diabetic care without breaking the bank.
Glucose Test Strips
Glucose test strips are the most common diabetic supply and arguably one of the more costly expenses for many people. Because you can only use test strips once, you need a fairly large supply, depending on how often your doctor advises you to test your blood sugar.
Below are 4 potential options to help lower the cost of your diabetic healthcare supplies.
1: The Insurance Option
Oftentimes, your health insurance company will cover diabetic test strips. But, for some people, the copay is still too high even with the coverage. While it’s not always the case, sometimes the copays are high because the glucose test strips your doctor is prescribing might not be the preferred brand of the insurance provider. The first step you should take in getting your costs down is to contact your insurance company. A representative or patient advocate should be able to give you information on any preferred supplies or brand names that might help lower your copay or out-of-pocket expenses.
2: The Continuous Glucose Monitor Option
There have been many clinical studies done on the cost-effectiveness of using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM uses a tiny sensor inserted under the skin to test blood sugar levels every few minutes throughout the day. It then wirelessly transmits the collected data to a stand-alone monitor, or with newer technology, to a smartphone or smartwatch app. This provides close to real-time information so diabetics can adjust their physical activity, food intake, or insulin levels to avoid severe blood sugar imbalance. This essentially eliminates the need for glucose test strips. Again, your insurance company might be able to cover a portion of the cost for a CGM, so reach out to your provider for more information.
3: The Flexible Spending Account Option
A flexible spending account (FSA) works by deducting pre-tax dollars from your paycheck and depositing them into a special account. This account is designed to hold money that will be used to cover healthcare-related expenses. Oftentimes, employers will offer an FSA card that can be used as a debit card to cover eligible products and services. If your employer doesn’t offer a card, you pay for your expenses yourself, submit your receipts to them, and they reimburse you with cash from your FSA account.
4: The Online Retail Option
A great way to lower your diabetic testing supplies is to find a reputable retailer. Some brick-and-mortar establishments can offer great deals on supplies. But, online medical suppliers can offer you those same great deals with wider selections and more convenience. Research different companies to find a trusted source that offers consistent pricing.
Blood Glucose Test Strips & More Online
There are many online pharmacies and medical suppliers on the web, and studies show many of them are not legitimate businesses. That’s a troubling thought when you are trying to purchase potentially life-saving supplies to monitor your diabetes. When buying blood glucose test strips and other diabetic supplies, you need to find a trusted source. You need a reputable company that is passionate about providing a wide selection of high-quality online medical supplies to you and your family.
The Medical Maven is a woman-owned business. We’ve created an organization that fulfills the promise of quality online medical supplies and web-based health information. Our management team are experts in the medical supply business with 100 years of combined experience. We provide credible information, facilitate supportive communities, and offer expert advice on innovative medical supplies and equipment.
Visit our website to view the best selection of diabetic test strips. We also offer other high-quality online medical devices and supplies to care for yourself or your loved ones at home.
