This seems to be a question that many of us with insurance and without ask ourselves. Then we cut back on testing or give up completely. Here are some ideas and if they help you out GREAT, if you can add some more, even better. I know that no one likes to "beg" but this is our health we are talking about, So I have learned to be a good "beggar". I've explained to my Doc that I can't afford to purchase strips in the quantities that I test for each day 3 x a day,. She was writing for only once a day because she figured "I was in control" So one month, I had some highs and lows,not planned but used up my allotment of strips....she sticks my meter into the computer to get the read outs and there were 10 days that showed I hadn't tested.....she was upset...I explained to her that if I have a low, for example, I am going to test again and again, until I know I am in a good range, the same for a high....if all she is giving me is 30 strips, that may mean, I don't test at all for 3 - 5 days. THE LIGHT WENT ON!!!!

1. However, the "begging" comes when a person runs out of strips, ask the nurses for samples of strips they get from reps,
2. Call your local cde or diabetic consult person, ask if they have strips they can give you
3. Call the local hospital and do the same thing
4. Diabetic Association in your area may have samples
5. Call your meter's manufacterer and ask for strips.

We can't be too proud about this. It's our health and if nothing else WE ARE TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES,

I have friends who have called their senators and representatives and explained their situation and gotten a voucher for strips....to me that's bravery.