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 -
Have you tried the Virginia Beach Dept of Health? There are free clinics or low cost that are based on income and ability to pay in the area and I do believe they also offer prescription drugs as well. I'm sure they could refer you to one, or know of other resources that might be available as well.
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Permalink Reply by elizabetta on -
Thank you Christy. I will definitely check that out.
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Permalink Reply by Gerri on -
Along with everything else we deal with, we have an outrageously expensive disease.
Contact the pharm company that manufactures your insulin. They all have Patience Assistance Programs for people who can't afford meds. You'll have to complete a form on their site. Do the same for strips. ReliOn, sold at WalMart, has the cheapest strips. Not as good as free, but I order syringes from http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/. Least expensive source I've found. I order quantity for free shipping, but may be too much for you to afford right now.
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Permalink Reply by elizabetta on
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Thanks a lot, Gerri. I just got the Patient Assistant form for Novolog and am going to fax that in. I also have the Relion test strips but of course feel a bias towards Lifescan. Does anyone know if they are as credible blood-sugar wise? Thanks for the syringe-source! I am checking that out immediately. I've re-used the syrings a few times and it is NOT comfortable.
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Permalink Reply by Sam on -
I've found generic strips (TrueTest) to be more accurate and consistent for me than lifescan was. Consumer reports rates several generics, including both Relion and TrueTest as good or better than Onetouch (lifescan) in terms of accuracy and consistency. They both also use considerably less blood, which means less wasted strips = less wasted money. I'm sold on generics... All strips have to meet the FDA standards, which are alarmingly lax (essentially +/- 20%) and none exceed the minimum standard by very much at all, as far as I know. I've found great deals on needles on Amazon.
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Permalink Reply by christy on
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I've used the Relion meter and test strips at times due to financial issues at the time, and it was just a point or two difference between my Relion meter and my OneTouch. I'd say at least with my experiences with the Relion meter and strips they are reliable.
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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on -
As a student, you should take advantage of anything your school offers. Many schools such as CNU have health centers. They have very minimal fees and often can really help deal with these sorts of situations. They may even have some samples on hand. If your school has such a center, do check it out and take advantage of it.
Another option is Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. Sometimes medical schools can be a source of inexpensive medical care and supplies. You can check out their health services arm.
And in the end, there is always the backup. Relion supplies at Walmart. The Relion test strips cost $36 per 100 and pen needles are $18 per 100. These costs are sometimes below insurance co-pays.
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Permalink Reply by christy on
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EVMS is a really good idea and is an excellent medical school. I'd definately check them out as well. What school are you going to if you dont mind me asking? I am sure ODU in Norfolk would have a student medical center as well, and that might definately be of some assistance.
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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on
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Actually, you know who is on the faculty at ODU. Sheri Colberg, the famous diabetes sports expert. How awesome is that?
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Permalink Reply by elizabetta on
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I just finished a semester at ODU actually. Taking my pre-reqs for medical school. I've been getting by all semester buying things at retail value but it's just NOT working anymore. I hadn't really thought of the health center but I will give it a try.
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