Managing diabetes shouldn’t drain your bank account, but test strips alone can cost hundreds monthly without insurance. Many people pay far more than necessary for essential diabetic supplies. Whether you’re dealing with coverage gaps, high deductibles, or simply want to stretch your healthcare dollars, there are proven strategies to cut costs while maintaining quality care.

Start with Medicare Benefits

If you have Medicare, you’re already ahead – but only if you use benefits properly. Medicare Part B covers diabetic testing supplies as durable medical equipment with specific limits:

• Up to 300 test strips every 3 months if you use insulin
• Up to 100 test strips every 3 months if you don’t use insulin
• Blood glucose monitors, batteries, lancets, and control solutions

The key is using Medicare-enrolled suppliers who accept assignment. After meeting your Part B deductible, you’ll pay just 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medicare’s mail-order suppliers often provide the best deals since they can’t charge more than your coinsurance plus any unmet deductible.

Manufacturer Programs That Deliver Real Savings

Major diabetic supply companies offer programs that dramatically reduce costs, especially without insurance or with high copays.

OneTouch Savings Program

OneTouch’s program reduces costs to $45 per 100 test strips for commercially insured patients, regardless of your insurance copay. This cash discount program works automatically when your pharmacist bills your private insurance.

Accu-Chek Prescription Discount

Accu-Chek offers a complete starter bundle including meter, test strips, and lancets for $49.99. While this cash program can’t combine with insurance, it’s often cheaper than many copays.

Prescription Discount Programs

These programs provide substantial savings even if you have insurance:

GoodRx and Similar Services

GoodRx coupons can reduce test strip costs by 50% or more with a prescription. For example, 100 OneTouch strips might cost $186 retail but only $90 with a coupon.

ScriptSave WellRx

This program offers up to 80% savings on diabetic supplies at participating pharmacies. Discounts vary by location and product, but it’s worth checking before purchase.

Smart Shopping Strategies

Consider Generic Options

Generic test strips cost significantly less than brand names while providing reliable results. True Metrix and Contour Next offer affordable alternatives that work just as well.

Shop Online Retailers

Companies like Total Diabetes Supply and US MED offer competitive pricing with regular sales, bulk discounts, subscription savings, and free shipping on larger orders.

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Prices vary dramatically between pharmacies. Sometimes cash prices at discount pharmacies are lower than insurance copays at traditional stores.

Continuous Glucose Monitor Coverage

CGM coverage has expanded significantly. Medicare covers CGMs for patients who:

• Have diabetes diagnosis
• Use insulin or have history of problematic hypoglycemia
• Receive adequate training from their healthcare provider
• Meet with their doctor within 6 months before starting CGM

Popular options include Dexcom G7 and FreeStyle Libre systems, both widely covered by Medicare and private insurance. Abbott often covers readers at $65 and sensors at $75/month with participating pharmacies.

Maximize Your Tax-Advantaged Accounts

FSA and HSA funds can pay for diabetic supplies using pre-tax dollars: • Test strips and lancets
• Blood glucose monitors
• Continuous glucose monitors
• Insulin and syringes
• Diabetic shoes (with prescription)

This effectively provides a discount equal to your tax bracket – potentially 22% or more in savings.

When to Switch Systems

Sometimes switching monitoring systems provides the biggest savings. If you’re paying high out-of-pocket costs, consider:

• True Metrix System: Often under $20 for 50 test strips
• Contour Next: Reliable and affordable with frequent promotions
• Store brands: Major pharmacy chains offer discounted systems

Check with your doctor before switching to ensure the new system meets your monitoring needs.

Mail-Order Benefits

Whether you have Medicare or private insurance, mail-order suppliers offer convenience and cost savings: • Lower costs than retail pharmacies
• Automatic refills prevent running out
• Direct insurance billing
• Often no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients
• Three-month supplies delivered to your door

Red Flags to Avoid

Be cautious of: • Suppliers calling with “free” supply offers (often Medicare fraud)
• Requests for upfront payment if you have Medicare
• Automatic shipments you didn’t request
• Unknown online retailers with prices that seem too good to be true

The Bottom Line

Managing diabetes costs requires a proactive approach, but savings can be substantial. Whether using Medicare benefits, manufacturer programs, discount cards, or smart shopping, multiple strategies can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Explore all options rather than accepting the first price quoted. With over 30 million Americans managing diabetes, numerous programs and discounts exist – you just need to know where to look. Your health is too important to let cost barriers interfere with proper management.