Regardless of what your healthcare insurance plan looks like, individuals with diabetes have to face way higher medical costs and that can often lead to people reducing or delaying the medication they need because they can’t afford it.

So for those of you battling this disease… what are some things you can do to save money on supplies you need?

Here are 7 money saving strategies:

Compare Pharmacies - Local And Online

Before heading straight to your usual pharmacy, take some time to compare prices at a few different pharmacies both locally and online. Often times, medication pricing can range greatly so it’s worth to shop around before you fill your prescription. Certain online pharmacies may have lower copays and costs than your typical pharmacies like CVS or GoodRx.

Look For Coupons And Discount Programs

While you’re comparing your different pharmacies, it’s also a good idea to take note if any of those pharmacies offer coupons or discount programs. Some drug stores give out weekly coupons for diabetes supplies, like test strips or blood glucose meters. You can also consider joining the drug store’s rewards program if you plan on regularly going back to them.

Speak With Your Healthcare Provider Or Diabetes Educator

Be sure to take advantage of what the experts know. Your doctor or diabetes educator can really help you understand how to manage diabetes, and oftentimes, they know where to find discounts on supplies and medication. You may also ask your doctor about lower cost options, such as switching over to a generic drug if it’s right for you. There’s also the possibility of getting a combination drug (multiple drugs combined into one), which may be cheaper if you have many prescriptions. Lastly, don’t forget to ask your doctor for samples!

Consider Joining Clinical Trials

There are always tons of ongoing clinical trials that are testing in-development drugs and new devices for diabetes. Joining one may let you receive free medical care and supplies and you’ll also be able to help contribute to important research on the disease. Remember to always consult your doctor before participating in a clinical study.

Research Patient Assistance Programs

The government, manufacturers, and non-profits will offer patient assistant programs to help people afford their medications and supplies. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be eligible to participate in one of these programs. To find out if you are eligible, you can visit the Partnership for Prescription Assistance website for more information. https://www.pparx.org/

Buy In Bulk

You’ll save more if you purchase your supplies and prescriptions in bulk. If you know that you’ll need test strips, pumps, and so on moving forward, you may as well purchase larger bundles to get a better deal.

Attend Events And Expos

Check if there are any local diabetes events and expos you can attend. Pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers often hand out free samples of supplies you may need at these types of expos. Visit ADA’s website to find out if there’s an event near you: http://www.diabetes.org/

Diabetes is not an cheap disease to manage, and not knowing alternative financial options can put your health at risk. It’s important to know where you can save money, so that you are able to afford the medication and supplies you need to keep yourself healthy.

References:

1. http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy/news-events/cost-of-diabetes.html
2. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/infographics/adv-staggering-cost-of-diabetes.html
3. https://diatribe.org/10-ways-save-money-diabetes-care
4. http://www.diabetes.org/
5. https://www.joslin.org/info/money_saving_strategies_for_diabetes_care_supplies.html