If you are diabetic, on medicare, where do you get FREE testing strips and meters? (buy, Walmart)

[no kudzu]

There are so many folks hawking diabetic supplies on internet, TV, magazines and I don't know who will send me free supplies and quickly.

[old_cold]

Most of those companies give the meters away(or rebate for one) and make their money off the supplies.
Your doctor needs to prescribe for them.
Medicare does cover whatever is needed.

I can't personally address the 'quickly' part but since pharmacies carry both meters and strips, I guess you can fill a srcipt at one.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

My doctor gave me a kit with a few strips and lancets plus the meter when I was first diagnosed. I am sure it was a sample he had been given to get me to buy that brand strips. But I liked it and still use that brand.

If you have a prescription, take it to your local pharmacy and ask what is the Co pay. The meter might be considered durable medical equipment under Part B and you might have to meet Part B deductible on the first use.

[justchrissy]

walmart relion brand test strips are very reasonable and work fine

[Grandpa Pipes]

Originally Posted by no kudzu

There are so many folks hawking diabetic supplies on internet, TV, magazines and I don't know who will send me free supplies and quickly.

Don't mess with the TV offers!!

Local drug stores will always take better care of you when it comes to meters and supplies.

[auntbee]

I get my strips and meter from one of those companies that advertise online and I love it. They ship my supplies every 3 months and I don't have to worry about it. Since I have a supplemental insurance policy in addition to Medicare, I never pay anything. They just file the Medicare and supplemental insurance claims.

[no kudzu]

I guess I should have been more detailed in my original post. I am on an insulin pump and the quick sets and reservoirs are supplies no pharmacy carries. i have been trying to get Liberty Medical to send me free supplies but it has been a real hassle. something about my- some test result- being too high. apparently i'm producing some insulin on my own. I test 7-8 times daily to try to keep my levels in check and change my sets out every 3 days. was just wondering if anybody else on medicare gets pump supplies free and where.