Diabetic Supplies | Diabetes Healthy Solutions

Where Can I Get Free Diabetic Supplies?

Diabetic supplies and medication can be expensive, especially for people who do not have health insurance coverage or are not entitled to assistance from National Health Services. Some state programs, medical centers, and insurance companies provide low-cost or free medication, test strips, and meters. Therefore, you can contact several programs in your area to find out how you can get free diabetic supplies.

Go through insurance

Enroll in an insurance program

Obtain insurance coverage if you don’t have insurance. Basic programs can provide discounted or free diabetes supplies and medication. You can obtain insurance through healthcare.gov under AFA (Affordable care Act).

AFA does not turn down clients for preexisting conditions and some people may be eligible for discounted premiums depending on their income.

You can also obtain private insurance coverage on your own. However, private insurance programs typically require clients to undergo a health physical which serves to determine their pay rate.

It is essential to keep in mind that this option can be quite costly, especially for people who already have diabetes. Some preexisting conditions can increase your premium rate.

If you are employed, consult your employer to see whether they provide health care options and their requirements for eligibility.

Contact your current insurance provider

If you have already enrolled in an insurance plan, call your current provider to discuss diabetes coverage. Be sure to ask them what diabetic supplies are covered under their insurance program, whether local clinics and pharmacies will offer you discounted or free supplies, and what the co-pay is. If you are not happy with your current insurance plan, consider obtaining alternative coverage.

Consider Medicare

Medicare is an assistance program established by the government in a bid to provide discounted healthcare to people who are 65 and over. You can look into Medicare if you are in this category and need assistance paying for diabetic supplies.

Medicare Part B is a basic insurance program that covers self-testing supplies, therapeutic shots, shoe inserts, and insulin pumps.

If you are at risk and have already been diagnosed with diabetes, you can enroll for Medicare Part D which covers prescription drugs, insulin, and other diabetic supplies such as anti-diabetic medication. Look for a health care provider that accepts Medicare as a form of payment.

Try Medicaid

Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income families and individuals. If you are eligible for Medicaid, you can get diabetic supplies at a discounted rate or for free.

Medicaid covers both outpatient and inpatient services for a wide range of medical issues, including Diabetes. Therefore, diabetes supplies will be covered as well as appointments regarding diabetes. Make sure you choose a health care provider that accepts Medicaid before booking an appointment.

If you are a veteran, ask for veteran benefits.

If you are a veteran, you qualify for certain healthcare benefits. Contact your VA office to enquire about coverage. Various diabetic supplies may be covered by your veteran healthcare program depending on your benefits.

Explore pharmaceutical assistance programs – for free diabetic supplies

Try RX Hope and RX Assist

Many programs and organizations can help you access discounted or free diabetes supplies, depending on your income level, age, profession, and other factors. Websites such as RX Hope and RX Assist can help you find the right program for you.

RX Hope helps you contact volunteers and coordinators that can help you access discounted or free medication. They also provide help with logistics such as paperwork if you still need assistance after finding a program through them.

RX Assist provides a detailed database of medical assistance programs by location, age, health condition, age, and other factors.

Visit the Needy Meds Website

Needy Meds provides a detailed database of medical assistantship programs. Moreover, you can search for information regarding free diabetic supplies through Needy Meds. This can be a good option for people who are having difficulty using the RX Hope website.

Explore other options

In some countries, people without health insurance can go to free health clinics. However, most of these free clinics only accept citizens of the countries where they are located, and getting an appointment can take longer.

If you still can’t find a reliable way to get free diabetic supplies, there are various online sources of supplies that are affordable with free shipping or low shipping costs with a minimum purchase. If you catch a sale you can save even more. Moreover, it is extremely important to control your diabetes more effectively to ensure that you need fewer diabetic supplies and avoid diabetes-related complications.

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Donating Unused Diabetic Supplies

Many more companies, people, and organizations out there today recognize the need for diabetics to be able to have all that they need in order to safely manage their diabetes. That’s part of the reason that more and more places have started offering free diabetes supplies to those who need them.

If you have unused, unexpired diabetic supplies that you don’t need, don’t discard them. There are several ways you can easily donate your diabetic supplies to other people.

If you have switched to a new device or new medication, you may have diabetic supplies that you no longer need. Diabetic supplies can be quite expensive and some people may not be able to afford them.

Therefore, it can feel like a waste to throw away supplies such as needles, teat strips, CGM devices, and insulin vials especially when many people are unable to live healthy lives because they cannot access or afford the medication and devices they need.

The good news is that you can touch and improve lives by donating unused diabetic supplies to people who need them.

It is essential to note that the supplies you donate should be unopened and unused. Most organizations do not accept donations that have expired or are unsealed.

Diabetic supplies can be expensive and hard to come by

In a perfect world, every diabetes patient would have easy access to the diabetic supplies and medication they need to manage their condition and live comfortable, healthy lives. Unfortunately, we are living in a time where the affordability and access of diabetic supplies is restricted. Although some strategies have been adopted to combat the high cost of diabetic supplies, there is still room for improvement.

Some of the common barriers that make it almost impossible for a huge percentage of diabetes patients to access diabetic supplies include:

Lack of education on proper management of diabetes
High cost of glucose test strips and insulin
No home refrigeration
Insufficient resources for proper diabetes care

These high entry barriers make it extremely difficult for lower-income families and individuals to receive the supplies they need to take proper care of themselves or their loved ones. That is why it is important to donate any unused diabetic supplies that you don’t need. You can easily donate unused supplies to many organizations looking to get pens, insulin vials, cartridges, and more for people that need them.

How Can You donate diabetic supplies?

1. Gather your supplies

The first step in donating diabetic supplies is to gather all of your unused, unexpired supplies. Each organization has its own unique criteria. However, most organizations will accept diabetic supplies such as:

Insulin vials
Insulin pens
Glucagon
Lancing devices
Pen needles, Glucose meters
Lancets
Glucose strips
Syringes
Insulin cartridges
A1c test kits

After gathering all your leftover diabetic supplies, double-check to ascertain that they have not expired and are still sealed.

Where Can You Donate Diabetic Supplies?

2. Find an organization to donate to

The second step is to find a trusted organization to donate to. Various great organizations are ready to accept unused supplies and ensure people who need them actually get them.

These organizations include:

Integrated Diabetes Service (IDS)

Integrated Diabetes Service collects diabetic supplies such as insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, current CGM supplies, and insulin. They then give these supplies to diabetes patients in the United States and worldwide.

Insulin for Life (IFL)

This is a renowned non-profit organization that specializes in collecting unused diabetic supplies and delivering them to people who don’t have access to the supplies and treatments they need to manage their diabetes. IFL accepts all of the diabetic supplies listed above.

CR3 Diabetes Association

CR3 focuses on providing affordable diabetic supplies and devices (insulin pumps, pump supplies, test strips, and glucose meters) to diabetes patients around the world. The organization currently accepts unexpired insulin pump supplies, glucose test strips, Guardian3 sensors, and Medtronic insulin pumps – 530G (models 751 and 551), 670G, and 630G.

SafeNetRx

SafeNexRx mainly collects and redistributes diabetic supplies to people with diabetes living in Iowa. It currently accepts unexpired and sealed glucose test strips, unexpired lancets, needles, and syringes. SafeNetRx distributes diabetic supplies and devices to Iowans that are uninsured, underinsured, or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

The bottom-line

Donating unused, unexpired diabetic supplies is a good way of changing lives by helping people who can afford or access the much-needed medications and supplies to manage their diabetes. The diabetes community continues to display strength and generosity by supporting each other with everything from diabetic supplies to critical diabetes information. There’s hope that someday everyone will diabetes will be able to afford and access everything they need to live a healthy life.

Be sure to read the specifics for mailing and donating instructions for the organization you want to donate to.

Canadian Diabetic Supplies

These uncertain and unprecedented times have brought some concerns to the Canadian diabetes community, particularly with regard to diabetic supplies. The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) and Diabetes Canada have been actively monitoring the situation and have been in touch with manufacturers and governments who are committed to making sure that diabetic supplies are available to Canadians.

Information availed by manufacturers of diabetes-related drugs and devices shows there are no shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Food and Drug Regulations typically require governments and manufacturers to report whenever they are unable to meet the demand for any drug product.

According to the CPhA, when insulin products are not available at a particular pharmacy, it is probably localized and temporary due to higher than expected demand for a drug product.

Patients and pharmacists are encouraged to maintain ongoing and open communications to ensure diabetes patients have undisrupted access to the diabetic supplies they require during these times.

Importance of access to Canadian diabetic supplies

If you are diabetic, you should have access to the right medication, supplies, and devices in a timely manner. Moreover, you should be able to access affordable treatment that allows you to achieve a good quality of life.

Access to Canadian diabetic supplies that best meet your specific needs helps reduce your risk of hospitalizations and complications. Evidence-based treatments should be availed through public plans for people who need them. Therefore, federal, territorial and provincial governments should ensure that the costs associated with diabetes medication, diabetes-related complications, and diabetes supplies are not a burden or barrier to managing the disease.

Determining your diabetic supplies coverage.

Federal, territorial and provincial governments are responsible for managing public diabetic drug benefits for various groups, based on eligibility.

Coverage eligibility

Eligibility criteria for public diabetic drug coverage are mainly based on factors such as income and age, among others. Coverage of diabetes medications, supplies, and devices is usually subject to co-payments and deductibles that are income-related.

Each employer, territorial, provincial and private health plan has its own unique list of supplies, devices, and medications that it covers, known as a medications formulary chart.

Patients and other interested parties should read the formulary to see the supplies covered by the NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits Program) as well as each territorial or provincial drug plan.

It is essential to keep in mind that your devices, supplies, and medications may not be fully covered by the plan, even for members of insurance plans (private or public). Contact your provider or simply check the details of the plan to understand the terms and conditions of the coverage.

Insulin pumps and supplies

Most territories and provinces have insulin pump programs. However, coverage and eligibility criteria vary.

Coverage denial

In case you are denied coverage for specific devices or drugs, review your plan for the terms and conditions that should be met. You can also consult your healthcare provider to determine your eligibility or alternative treatment options if coverage is not available.

When medications and supplies are not available in Canada

If the diabetes medications or supplies you need are not available in Canada, your healthcare provider can apply to the SAP (Special Access Program) on your behalf. In some cases, you may have to cover some costs out-of-pocket when using this program.

Coverage is uneven across Canada because decisions are made in each territory and province. As a result, each territory or province covers what it considers necessary, typically driven by its legislators and agenda.

For instance, what is covered in Quebec may not be covered in Ontario. On the other hand, health professional shortages in some areas have led to long wait times to see professionals. Therefore, diabetes self-management is extremely essential.

What about new diabetes technology?

New diabetes management technology comes slowly in Canada largely because manufacturers must overcome various challenges to get it approved. Both provincial and federal approvals are required, and labeling must be in English and French to comply with the country’s language legislation. The entire process can be daunting.

The availability of ‘new’ diabetes management technology in Canada has been lagging behind the United States. For instance, it hasn’t been until the recent past that insulin pumps have gradually become more common. However, their use is still far from the norm.

The use of CGMs (continuous glucose monitors) also lags behind partly because provincial plans have not yet included them in their covers. As a result, patients who want to use them pay out-of-pocket.

In the provinces and territories that don’t cover insulin pumps, some insurance companies pick up the tab for insulin pumps and other diabetic supplies.

Read the latest news about diabetic watches HERE!

Gift Baskets for Diabetics

Some Gift basket ideas for your diabetic family members or friends.

Gifts are an essential element of our social lives that help us express our gratitude and love to others. Regardless of the occasion, food gift ideas always abound.

Gift hampers and baskets available online can be great gifts that leave lasting impressions. However, gifting people with diabetes can be tricky mainly because conventional food gifts are typically doused with carbohydrates and sugars that can be detrimental to their health.

Sugar-free items such as nuts, fruits, and dry fruits are excellent options. Let’s explore some of the best sugar-free gift baskets for diabetics.

Nuts

Nuts can be a delight for people with diabetes as they are not only low in carbs but also rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Numerous studies have shown that nuts have a positive impact on the health of all people. For instance, research shows that almonds can help with weight loss, lowering the risk for heart disease and normalizing glucose levels for type 2 diabetes patients.

Although nuts are extremely health-worthy, they are also high in calories and fat. Therefore, portion sizes should be taken into consideration when incorporating them into any diet, even for people who don’t have diabetes and other chronic diseases.

One serving is one small handful or 1/4 of a cup and you can add a nice touch to the gift basket by using decorative bags to portion them into single-serving sizes. Always go for unsalted nuts as these are considered the healthier choice for anyone.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain low in carbs and rich in fiber. A three-cup serving contains about 18 grams of carbohydrates.

The best bet for diabetic-friendly gift baskets is air-popped popcorn that is flavored with herbs and/or olive oil. Some stores offer brands that are divided into single servings and attractively packed in decorative bags or festive bowls. Avoid sweetened popcorn such as kettle corn as they contain sugar and/or other sweeteners.

Tea and coffee-themed diabetic gift basket.

Both coffee and tea are available in a wide range of varieties from various parts of the world. So it is relatively easy to create a tea and/or coffee-themed diabetes-friendly gift basket with fascinating varieties of whole beans, tea bags, loose teas, and beverage brewing gear such as strainers, mugs, and cups.

The products you include in the tea or coffee-themed gift basket will be a matter of your or your recipients’ taste. Be sure to avoid tea or coffee products that contain sugar.

However, some studies show that for some diabetics consuming caffeine can result in lower or higher blood sugar levels. Therefore, be sure to confirm whether your recipient tolerates caffeine before going with a tea or coffee-themed gift basket.

Dark chocolate Treats for Diabetics

Delicious dark chocolate bars especially artisanal or organic ones make great additions to sugar-free gift baskets.

Research shows that dark chocolate contains cacao in small amounts which have a beneficial effect on various health concerns in diabetes including insulin resistance, blood pressure, and platelet and vascular functions.

Go for tasty dark chocolate that is labeled at least 75% cacao with no added sugars. Be sure to check the number of carbs in the chocolate bar as it’s generally recommended that diabetics get about 45% of calories from carbohydrates.

Peanut butter

Just like dark chocolate, most people like peanut butter. They are rich in protein and fatty acids that help maintain healthy blood glucose levels in the body. There is a wide variety of vegan-friendly, gluten-free and non-GMO peanut brands available on the market.

Go for brands with no added preservatives or sugars. Some brands come in attractive packaging that can blend very well with other items in the gift basket.

Fruit

Fancy fruit can be a healthy and colorful addition to any Diabetes-friendly gift basket.

Although fruit contains fructose (natural sugar), most diabetics can and should include a wide variety of fruit in their diet, given that fruit is rich in important nutrients and fiber and so is recommended by the ADA (American Diabetes Association) as an essential part of a healthful diabetes meal plan.

Use two criteria when choosing fruit:

Fruits that rank low on the glycemic index (potential to raise the blood sugar level) as well as low in sugar.
Hearty fruits that travel well

Some of the best bets are apples, pears, nectarines, apricots, peaches, and citrus fruits such as oranges. A mix of shapes, colors, and unusual varieties can easily create a special sugar-free basket for diabetics.

Although a wide variety of fruits and berries have considerably low amounts of sugar, some are too delicate in gift baskets unless you’re sure your target recipient will unpack and use them right away. Leave out dried fruits and tropical fruits such as fresh figs, bananas, mangoes, pineapple and pomegranates as they are high in sugar.

Sugar-free biscuits and cookies

Biscuits and cookies are some of the most popular, welcoming treats available. You can throw in a few sugar-free fiber cookies to serve as delicious additions to your gift hamper. Choose cookies and/or biscuits that are high in fiber and avoid cookies that contain cholesterol or trans fats.

Sugar-free drinks

Be sure to add some sugar-free drinks to help balance out your gift basket. You can try to understand the types of drinks they like and dislike in order to find appropriate variants.

For instance, you can opt for flavored sparkling water variants that come with zero carbs and sugars and contain no artificial flavors or colorings.

The bottom-line

There are numerous pre-packaged sugar-free gift baskets for diabetics available on the market. These gift baskets are professionally built to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for your target diabetic recipient.

If you find these gifts appealing, as I do, you can indulge in some ‘self-love’ and gift one for yourself.

On the other hand, you can use some of the items listed in this article to create a fully customized sugar-free gift basket yourself. Be sure to look for a strong, unique basket to arrange your gifts in. This way, you’ll deliver a unique and truly memorable sugar-free gift basket.

Mail Order Diabetic Supplies

In this digital era, the World Wide Web is being widely used by numerous people across the globe to work or even to buy items including groceries, and have them delivered to their preferred destination. Therefore, it also makes perfect sense to purchase all your diabetic supplies online and have them delivered to your preferred destination.

How Does Mail-order Diabetes Supplies Work?

Mail order supply basically entails purchasing goods or services from suppliers via mail, phone calls, travelling agents, websites, or mobile applications and having them delivered through mail delivery.

This allows people with diabetes to order supplies like test strips, lancet devices, lancets, blood glucose meters, replacement batteries for the blood glucose meter, and control solutions without having to visit physical outlets.

The supplies are then delivered directly to the customers’ home address or a nearby retail location for the customer to pick up. Some suppliers also deliver the products through third parties such as their traveling agents who then deliver supplies directly to the customer.

Why Should I use Mail-order for My Diabetic Supplies?

Convenience

Mail order diabetic supply is a convenient way of shopping because the customer enjoys the convenience of having products delivered at their doorstep. This saves the customer a lot of time also allows them to handle other important aspects of their lives.

A wider range of supplies

Another added advantage is that online suppliers avail a wider range of product variety than stocks available in most physical pharmacies. Moreover, it is always easier to search for a particular product online than having to visit different stores when you can’t find what you are looking for in one shop.

Cost-friendly

The mail-order supply system eliminates middlemen who tend to inflate costs in a bid to make larger profits. This makes mail-order diabetes supplies cost-friendly and more reliable to customers, compared to shopping at physical diabetes supplies stores.

The supplier is also not required by law to add sales tax to the price of the goods unless they have a physical presence in the customer’s residence. This makes the method very cost-friendly to both the customer and the supplier.

Customer support

The supplier is also able to advertise any extra products or new services they might have introduced through the mail order. Some companies call to remind you to reorder your supplies or send email reminders. Others make your work easier by allowing you to set up automatic shipment so that you avoid going through the same process every time you need supplies.

Does Mail-order Have any Shortcomings?

Despite its numerous benefits, mail-order diabetic supply systems may have some detriments. Here are some factors to consider before opting for mail-order supplies:

The procedure can be time-consuming causing unnecessary delay since the customer cannot dictate when the supplier will send the products. The supplier’s vehicles of transport may be delivering in other areas and thus take time before supplying to a customer from another area.
Lack of personal contact is also a setback since the customer does not see the supplier. In the event that the customer may be having a query on how to use a product then they are unable to interact actively with the seller.
The customer also lacks the opportunity to inspect the goods before they are packed. Thus, in the event there is a mix-up of the products, the customer receives the wrong package.
Mail-order diabetic supply delivery can be a risky business largely because of the risk of fraud. Fraudsters can set up a fake account online and swindle customers especially when they are required to pay before goods are delivered. Suppliers can also be swindled when they are asked to deliver the goods on credit and the customer then fails to pay for goods delivered.

As a result, most suppliers no longer supply products on credit. This is a disadvantage to customers who must bear the risk of potential loss because they must pay for goods upfront for them to be delivered.

The bottom-line

It is important to note that mail-order diabetic supplies work best for people who know exactly what they need and how much of it. It’s also recommended that customers know the normal price ranges of the products they need to avoid paying exorbitantly high prices.

If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes and are yet to familiarize yourself with the products, it’s best to consult your doctor before making any purchases.

Read about Liberty Medical Diabetic Supplies HERE!

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Go through insurance

Enroll in an insurance program

Contact your current insurance provider

Consider Medicare

Try Medicaid

If you are a veteran, ask for veteran benefits.