NO insurance in Virginia Beach.
Hi all,
I am wondering if anyone has advice for me regarding finding low-cost supplies in the Hampton Roads area. I don't have insurance and haven't for the past few months and buying my supplies at cost is getting really hard to sustain financially (I'm a student). I will become eligible for the state of Virginia's "pre-existing condition" insurance in September but am looking for help because I'm worried about affording everything for the summer. Generous T1 friends have given me test-strip and needle contributions but am wondering if there is a local/state-wide charity I could access. And no I am not eligible for Medicaid, because I live with a parent and their income factors into the process. Any advice is appreciated. THANKS!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by christy on -
Wow that's great, congratulations on working towards medical school. Have you thought of where you are going to apply to Med school at? I love EVMS and have worked with a lot of their med students in differnt places I have worked around the area.
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Permalink Reply by elizabetta on -
Well I'm older and "non-traditional" but so far, EVMS, VCU, a couple in the Caribbean, a couple of reaches.....hoping to sell my diabetic story to an Admissions Committee that will have me!
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Permalink Reply by christy on
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That is great VCU would be another really good choice as well.I think that is great, I mean for one just your inside personal knowledge of diabetes, even if you don't particularly want to specialize in endocrinology is a HUGE plus, just as we know it impacts management with every kind of speciality out there. I'd also say just the fact of being able to manage an ongoing chronic illness in addition to the dedication and time medical school entails,just really shows your determination and level of dedication. Do you have an area of medicine you'd like to specialize in? I really wish there were more doctors out there who are diabetic. I mean unless you live with this day in and day out, its so easy to be of the mindframe well why CANT you keep this under control. As we are all aware, that is much easier said than done somedays.
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Permalink Reply by elizabetta on
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Yeah- shadowing doctors is a huge factor in the admissions process. The Dean of one school actually told me I needed more shadowing. But I actually wanted to pipe in and tell her that I've been "shadowing" endocrinologists since I was 9. The hospital has always been a second home for me. At 10 I was asking if I could take my own blood pressure/blood glucose. As for specialties, I am interested in a lot of things- but surprisingly not endocrinology. Maybe OB/GYN or adolescent health.
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Permalink Reply by DizGrizz on -
Have you considered the Clever Choice Pro or Mini? Here is the webpage for the meter...it seems pretty slick.
I have found the strips for $13 for 50 on Amazon with free ship (for $25 purchase...like two or more boxes). Walmart sells the meter for $20 or you can get one from Amazon with 150 strips for $48 (with shipping).If you prefer the palm type meters, the Clever Choice Pro uses the same strips and you can get one of those with 200 strips for the same $48.
Another alternative would be the Prodigy meters. The Prodigy No Coding strips are slightly less even at $11.15 for 50 and free ship. There are 4 other listing for these strips on Amazon for under $12.00, all with $0.00 shipping. The Prodigy AutoCode and Prodigy Pocket both use these strips and are plenty cheap online.
I have never used any of these so I cannot vouch for them directly but the price is pretty nice...considering.
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Permalink Reply by elizabetta on
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Thanks for this. I've been checking out the Relion brand at Wal-Mart, which seems to be pretty good. Will have to check out Clever Choice next. !!
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Permalink Reply by DizGrizz on
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Another possible source for assistance might be Diabetes Training centers in the local hospitals. Try calling them and asking if they know of any sources for assistance with supplies / insulin. Be sure to mention your pre-Med...couldn't hurt. :)
Oh yeah, do you take 50/50, 75/25, or fast acting (meal-time) insulin? If so, you can get a 5-pack of Humalog 300-unit pens for FREE.
And here's a $25 off offer on Lantus if you take basal insulin.
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Permalink Reply by christy on
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Apidra I think is still offering the free vials due to the shortage of pens..at least that's what my CDE told me a few weeks ago, I use Humalog and can't seem to get them to switch me to Apidra, personally I'd like to try it, being Im most of the time pretty insulin sensitive and would like to see if a more faster acting insulin that has a faster absorption rate might help me some, they are of the mindset its ALL the same...so I cannot confirm that information is still correct but might be worth looking into.
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Permalink Reply by elizabetta on
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oh and thanks for these coupons. I currently take Novolog and Lantus only because they are cheaper. Counting down the days to get back to my pump, honestly. I feel like the Lantus causes weight gain. I have taken Humalog before though, and don't notice a difference between that and the Novolog.
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Permalink Reply by elizabetta on
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thank you~ I responded back to this but it posted below~ !!
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