The High Cost of Diabetes Care
Living with diabetes often comes with significant financial challenges. Between the cost of medications, glucose monitors, insulin, test strips, and devices like insulin pumps, the expenses can quickly add up. For many individuals, this can mean making difficult choices—such as rationing insulin, skipping doses, or avoiding regular blood sugar checks. Unfortunately, these actions can lead to poorer health outcomes and increase the risk of long-term complications.
The good news? There are numerous resources available to help lower these costs and ensure you get the care you need without financial strain.
Where to Find Affordable Diabetes Medications and Supplies
There are several ways to reduce the cost of diabetes care. Options include:
- Government programs like Medicare and state-based assistance plans.
- Pharmaceutical discount programs from major drug manufacturers.
- Nonprofit organizations dedicated to diabetes care.
- Community health centers offering sliding-scale payments.
- Your healthcare team, who may provide samples or suggest affordable alternatives.
Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
Drug manufacturers often provide patient assistance programs (PAPs) to help people afford essential medications. These include:
- Merck Patient Assistance Program – access to Merck medications at low or no cost.
- Lilly Cares Foundation – free Eli Lilly insulin for eligible patients.
- Novo Nordisk Diabetes PAP – free or discounted insulin.
- Sanofi Patient Assistance Program – no-cost insulin for those who qualify.
- AstraZeneca & Boehringer Cares Programs – free medications for low-income patients.
These programs are especially useful for uninsured patients or those struggling to pay for brand-name prescriptions.
Device Assistance Programs
Medical devices like insulin pumps and glucose monitors can also be costly. Luckily, some companies offer help:
- Abbott FreeStyle Program – free glucose monitor plus discounts on strips.
- Medtronic Patient Assistance – lower-cost insulin pumps for eligible patients.
- Benefits Checkup (National Council on Aging) – helps seniors access programs for affordable devices and supplies.
Pharmacy Savings Options
Pharmacies often provide programs to help reduce costs:
- Mail-order pharmacies – often cheaper for 90-day supplies.
- Loyalty programs – discounts and coupons for frequent customers.
- Coupon cards & websites – free to join, offering lower prescription prices (e.g., Optum Perks).
Support from Your Healthcare Team
Your doctor and diabetes care team can be powerful allies in reducing costs. They may:
- Provide free samples of medications.
- Suggest generic alternatives instead of costly brand names.
- Prescribe 90-day supplies to lower costs.
- Connect you with local assistance resources or nonprofit programs.
Community Health Centers
Community health centers provide affordable care with sliding-scale payment systems. Many also run in-house pharmacies with free or low-cost medications. These centers can also direct patients to local nonprofits and organizations for further support.
Government Assistance Programs
If you’re struggling with the cost of prescriptions, government programs can help:
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs – available in some states.
- Medicare Part D Extra Help – lowers drug costs for low-income seniors.
- Social Security Administration Programs – financial aid for eligible patients.
Nonprofit & Online Assistance Programs
Several nonprofit organizations and online tools can help cut costs:
- The Medicine Villa – matches patients with affordability programs.
- Themedicinekart– database for low-cost prescriptions and supplies.
- Shopmedcart – free/low-cost prescription support.
- Myedpills – nationwide resources and advocacy.
When to Ask for Help
If you’re struggling financially with diabetes care, don’t wait. Reach out for help if:
- You cannot afford your prescriptions.
- You’ve been rationing or skipping medication.
- Your blood sugar levels remain very high.
- You’re experiencing unmanaged diabetes symptoms.
The Takeaway
Diabetes management doesn’t have to mean financial hardship. With the right programs, nonprofit support, and guidance from your healthcare team, you can access the medications and supplies you need at a lower cost. Explore available resources, talk with your doctor about more affordable options, and take steps today to reduce the financial burden of diabetes care.
