Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ellen Hayes on February 25, 2011 at 6:00am

Does Walmart offer any kind of discounted insulin program? I know most pharmacies offer "free" type 2 meds, like Metformin, but that doesn't help us type 1's. Thanks for your response. So far it's pretty hopeless :-(

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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on February 25, 2011 at 6:03am

Walmart has Relion brand insulins at $24.88/vial. These are really Humulin insulins rebranded; R, NPH and 70/30. They also carry syringes, $12.48/100. Walmart has a discounted drug program for those type 2s, you can get metformin for $4/month.

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any Walmart discounted pump supplies.

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Permalink Reply by KimKat on February 25, 2011 at 8:35am

Well, my Metformin isn't "free" (nothing free it this world!) but yes, it is cheap compared to going somewhere like Walgreens. I get the 3 months prescription and it like $12 for a 3 month supply. The meters and the strips are the cheapest I have come across so far.

If I were you I would still talk to people at the low cost clinics - they are used to finding cheap or free resources for people who have no health care.I am pretty sure there has to be others out there in your situation and I am sure the doctors and staff could have some suggestions for you of what to do. When you are unisured, you really have to go and do alot of searching around and talking to people to find this stuff - too bad it isn't easier. I think they make it hard on purpose.

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth on February 25, 2011 at 8:01am

This is a resource for people without insurance http://www.pparx.org/. They work with you to get your insulin for free and they will help offset test strip costs. Unfortunately, it does not cover pump supplies, but if you contact Insulet they will be able to work with you and get your pods at a reduced rate. You will have to show that you have a financial hardship and no insurance. Let me know if you have anymore questions. I've worked with many people to get this done and it requires a bit of paperwork, but in the end, it's worth it to get the supplies that you need.

Elizabeth

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Permalink Reply by Ernie on February 25, 2011 at 6:50pm

Check with the health department that is in your county of residence

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Permalink Reply by Hismouse on February 25, 2011 at 8:27pm

me too Ellen, I lost mine last Oct, and I can't find any help, the state is out of money, and the Community helath clinics are not taking anymore people, so as you are getting worried, I live in utter fear of what is going to happen to me.

I have had to buy syringes at walmart, they sell them with out scripts. Insulin too. My Other meds, when they run outs, well I am frightened,

I hope someone can help you:)

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Permalink Reply by Kathy on February 28, 2011 at 7:47am

Hello HIsmouse..
When I saw the Community Health Clinics I thought you might be living in Washington. If you live near a teaching hospital with clinics attached I would go there and apply for Charity Care. It is scary here. I know. If you want you can pm me. I put in a friendship request to you.

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Permalink Reply by Tracy on February 25, 2011 at 10:40pm

Depending on the state you live in there may be a plan available through a state plan. I live in Florida and after passing out from hypoglycemic unawareness after many years I found a plan called Cover All Florida. I now get Catastrophic Insurance for about $200 a month with type 1 diabetes. Look up state resources for help and go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as well as the American Diabetes Association websites to help find more resources.

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Permalink Reply by rick phillips on February 25, 2011 at 11:10pm

About the only thing out there are the state high risk pools. which have already been addressed.

for others. before this happens to you consider student insurance, which is available at most universities. Look at it this way in order to qualify one needs to be a student usually half time and the rates are reasonable. In this case, it may not apply since there was a break in coverage. However it is possible it might work out, I am guessing it will not however.

i suggest calling a local college and asking for program rules and exploring if you can qualify at some tme if you enroll now? It is worth a try.

rick phillips

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Permalink Reply by rossm on February 26, 2011 at 3:44am

Have you considered contacting the rep for your pump? They may not be a solid long term solution, but if they can direct you to some resources directly at the company or even some supplies temporarily that may help. They are very helpful for new pump users- I would hope they would extend a hand to an established customer. Best of luck... With all of it!

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Permalink Reply by LaGuitariste on February 26, 2011 at 4:50am

Ellen, you have my deepest empathy.

I actually moved back to Washington State when my COBRA was coming to an end and I couldn't find a permanent job with benefits, because Washington is I believe one of three states that require insurance companies to offer comprehensive individual plans to anyone who has exhausted their COBRA, without limiting their coverage based on pre-existing conditions. I couldn't even get Blue Cross/ Blue Shield to mail me an application in Louisiana! They told me on the phone to forget it.

I have a history of melanoma in addition to my diabetes, thyroid disease and other issues. I've paid for insurance my entire adult life, but now that I'm no longer a healthy young "cherry" to be "cherry-picked", the insurance companies don't want me.

I pay over $420 per month for coverage through my HMO here in Washington; if I went with one of the Blue's here it would be over $800 month for the same coverage.

THIS is why we need healthcare reform. Some states are just awful in their laws regarding health insurance coverage. Meanwhile, the insurance companies are posting huge profits and paying their CEO's hundreds of millions. It makes me sick. I wish I knew what to tell you, but I had to move two thousand miles from my family to get coverage.

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Permalink Reply by MidwestMommy on February 26, 2011 at 3:22pm

You are so right about us needing healthcare reform. I'm sorry you had to move away just to qualify for insurance. So sad that that is how our system works. I'm glad you are insured now.

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