Diabetic Recipes
It seems like we're going to be without insurance for a couple of months. The cost of going on now is astronomical but if we wait three months, the company starts to pick up half. I have an application in for MassHealth for Olivia, but it's going to take a few weeks to kick in, provided they approve it. Of course, in that time, we're going to need test strips again. (I have some extra insulin, thanks to Heidi, over at the D-Log Cabin - thank you, Heidi!!)
I've been checking around and it seems that Wal-Mart carries something called Reli-On strips and meters. Do any of you use these? They are far less expensive than the One Touch Olivia currently uses, which will be a big help as far as costs go.
The meter is only $9. The strips are $22 for 50, compared to $51 for the One Touch strips, which is a huge savings. All the other test strips are in a similar range of price. I'm going to pick some up tomorrow.
I don't usually think about the cost of test strips, since we've had insurance since her diagnosis, but man, they are so expensive. It's ridiculous. Why is something that is so vital so pricey? How expensive can it be to make those things? I understand the cost of development and blahblahblah, but really. Haven't these been out long enough that they can lower the cost now?
If you have an accu-chek Aviva I will send you 2 boxes of 50 each un-opened. I get more than I use. TYPE 2
I have One Touch strips and extra Novolog, Julia - please email me I will send you some.
- Nicole
I have extra One Touch Ultra strips if you can use them. I would be glad to send them your way.
Julia, we also have extra One Touch strips. Let me know and I can get to you asap.
I can spare a bottle of One Touch strips too. Let me know if it's needed!
I also can send you some One Touch Strips if you need them.
I've been using the Reli-On Meter and test strips for about 2 1/2 years since I lost my job and insurance coverage. I'm type II and under control. The one thing I did notice when I got the Reli-On, I still had some of the One Touch strips and I checked my blood sugar using both types of strips about three times and I did notice that the Reli-On seemed to test higher than the One Touch Ultra did.
You might want to check both brands of strips - I don't remember what the original difference was but I think it was between 10 and 15 points higher. Hope this helps
I used and recommend ReliOn strips, lancets and their meter. Also, I was able to get assistance for my prescriptions, insulin and testing strips (another meter than ReliOn) thru a patient advocacy service via the American Diabetes Association's web site. I have been without any type of insurance for 3 years and was just diagnosed in May of this year. Best wishes to you in locating what you need while you are not covered.
I am unsure what county you live in but several counties offer discount prescription cards. The website is naco.org and they also do somethings through www.2.caremark.com. Also - ask your endo and regular doc for samples - or the Childrens Hospital in your area for samples - any little bit helps!!
Wow, I feel your pain. Our 13 year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 in April of this year. We have insurance, but nothing prescription wise is covered. NOTHING. Testing strips are rediculous, especially considering she has to test upwards of 10 times a day. Her poor little fingers are sore, and her sites are even worse. She is taking 7 injections a day. We get our insulin through the manufacturer. She is currently taking Humalog and Levemir. The Humalog she takes comes directly from the doctor's office, and the Levemir comes from NovoNordisk. You should be able to contact the American Diabetes Association to determine if you are eligible for free testing supplies. Right now, we get our supplies through them because of how many times she has to test. Also, please check with your doctor to see if he/she has any ideas or suggestions on free or reduced testing supplies. Our doctor is the one who put us in touch with the ADA. We haven't used the ReliOn meter or strips yet, but it is leaning in that direction if we have to start paying for them. I agree with most of the people on here~ test with both meters to determine the fluctuation difference. Good luck to you! ~Michelle~
I use ReliOn test strips and find them to be as accurite as any other brand. Also noticed last time I was in WalMart, They offer a A1c test kit you send to them by mail. It was $9. which includes prepaid postage. I didn't buy it because I still have insurance.
I have used Walmart's ReliOn insulin when I moved from Fla to NH and didn't have insurance. I found it worked as well as the name brands. I don't know about the ReliOn strips. Other meters have ome variation between them -my two meters are about ten points differnt but the doctor's office says they are within 10 % diviatin which is OK. Are you set with enough of the One Touch strips? If not let me know and I can spare a container. Have you checked with your doctor about what is available for help in your area? My doctor's office has given me samples of insulin when I ran out and hadn't met my deductable. Good Luck - Jean