Health Care for diabetics is changing fast. Lots of people prefer blood glucose test strips even as monitoring changes to CGMs.
The “tried and true” glucose test strips depend on a drop of blood that the person gets by using a diabetic lancet and pricking their finger. They then insert the glucose test strip into a glucometer to get a blood sugar reading. This blood sugar reading helps them determine if they need insulin, food or rest. This glucose testing method is popular and used by millions of diabetics to keep blood sugar in a normal range.
Blood glucose monitoring along with blood glucose test strips have improved the lives of millions of diabetics. Diabetics no longer have to wonder if their blood sugar is high or low. They can simply prick their finger and find out exactly where their glucose levels are!
The trouble with these blood sugar testing strips is that they can be pretty expensive. If you look at your local pharmacy or CVS for blood glucose test strips, you will find they can cost as much as $1.50 per strip! This cost is just to measure your glucose. If you are prescribed insulin to combat diabetes, the costs can really add up.
This can cause diabetics to ration diabetic test strips, diabetic lancets, meters and CGMs in order to save money. One study from 2018 shows that about 26% of diabetic in North America rationed diabetic insulin in the past year. to make ends meet.
A major question people wonder about is, does insurance cover diabetic supplies like blood glucose test strips, diabetic meters and insulin?
The answer really depends on which insurance you use. Medicare and Medicaid typically cover diabetic supplies. They are also starting to cover the high cost of CGM’s like FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G6. The out of pocket cost for these diabetic supplies can vary and depends on copays and deductibles. Some insured diabetics will get their supplies for very little out-of-pocket expense, while some diabetics have to pay the full retail price for diabetic supplies.
Companies that buy blood sugar strips usually resell them at a discount to under-insured or uninsured diabetics. This gives diabetics a chance to purchase their blood glucose strips for below retail cost saving them lots of money. Other products like diabetic testers and diabetic meters can also be bought and sold in this second hand market which gives everybody an opportunity to make good use of diabetic supplies.
All insurance companies handle diabetic supplies in different ways. Some may cover blood glucose strips and meters outright and some may charge a co-pay. Some insurances may cover little or none of the expense of diabetes. The best way to determine if blood glucose test strips are covered by your insurance is to read your insurance coverage or call your representative.
If you ever have extra blood glucose test strips or other diabetic supplies, contact Test Strip Search so you can get paid and help others get affordable diabetic supplies.
