This is not a solicitation! Just my wanting to give everyone some information. I wanted to post this as a thread of it's own. If you're in the US, sorry all in the UK and elsewhere, but I don't know if it works this way for you; you can get just about any glucometer at no charge to you. I have been diabetic for 20 years, in that time I have paid for only 1 meter, and that was because I really wanted it. The drug companies that make the meters and strips are like the cellular phone companies. they offer you a really good deal, if not free, on your phone or in our case the glucometer so that they can make tons of money on the service contract and strips. A meter is a one time purchase but those strips every month really make a ton of money for the companies. If you deal with a Diabetes Educator, and all of you should, then they will either have a good supply of brand new meters in a closet somewhere or they will be able to get you one at no charge from the local sales rep. My educator had so many at one time that she was giving 2 to every person. She needed to clean out the closet and just told us to use the other as a back-up or at work or whatever! I did pay for one, the Therasense FreeStyle Tracker. it is the meter that plugs into a PDA and I loved it. It was easy to use, easy to download, all ready hooked to the PDA (Handspring Visor) After the coupons and rebates that the Sales Rep from Therasense gave me, I wound up paying just the price for the PDA. So for all intense and purposes, it was free to me as well. I changed jobs and my new insurance doesn't cover the Therasense strips so I had to change glucometers. I simply called up my diabetes educator and asked for her opinion on a new one and if she had any available. She suggested the Lifescan One-touch Ultra Smart. The closest thing to a PDA type glucometer. She said to come by and she would leave one at the desk for me. At the same time I asked for another meter, just the One-touch Ultra for a coworker of mine. He is the son of 2 diabetics and checks his sugar every now and then just to watch it. She gave me one for him also. I then went online and downloaded their software for free. The computer cable didn't come with the meter so I called the Educator again and asked her for the reps name, got a hold of her and she mailed me the cable for free. If I would have bought it all off of the website from the manufacturer, it would have cost me at least $160.00 US! My prescription for strips is 300 for a 30 days supply, I think they make enough money off of me and my insurance company. If you don't go to an educator, call up the companies. Tell them your story and see what kind of meter they are willing to send you. We diabetics spend enough money, don't pay for a meter if you don't have to.

Thomas has 5 meters. We did not pay for any of them. Your not kidding when you say they make more than enough on the strips. If we didn't have insurance we would go bankrupt!!
Also, many store flyers will have coupons for free meters when you buy the strips.

Thank you archimeech. I just called Rouch diagnostic and asked them if they had a local rep in he area that could sell me a monitor for cheaper then what the stores were charging. They asked question on why I need it and I said as a back up. They said " for a one time deal " we would mail you an accu check complete monitor for free. Thankfully it takes the same strips as the advantage that I currently use... WORKED OUT GOOD THIS TIME

Good for you Jared! I still suggest you get a hold of a local Diabetes educator or maybe your local endocrinologist and ask them the same thing. Just tell them straight up, that you want to know if they have any glucometers that are distributed by the area Reps. That way should something happen to your monitors you know who to go to. Roche Diagnostics was so intent on keeping me as a user that they have sent me probably 3 monitors in the last 4 years.

I did the same thing for insulin. Before we had health insurance (when Thomas was first diagnosed).
The endo's office always had a refrig. full of insulin samples, including pens.

I am so glad you posted this thread. I have had my meter for almost 5 years now and have wanted a new one, but can't afford one. I had to go buy some strips and started talking to my pharmacist and she told me she had some coupons for a free meter. So I got a new Ascensia Breeze that holds 10 discs for free. Thanks!

Amy

Well, I'll be darn! I thought I was getting a great deal when I bought a Compete for $80.00. I've always suspected I wasn't too bright. This only proves it. I sort of get the feeling I need to fly out to the south Pacific and make sure the island I just bought is in as good a shape as promised (as soon as that fellow can find the keys to the brand new used flying saucer he just sold me).

I'm glad I could help, Amy. We spend enough money on this ****ed disease all ready, so whatever tips I can give I will.

Lg, I'll give you those keys when your check clears. lol

I just wanted to post again on this thread and keep it up at the top of the list. I feel it's too important an issue to let go of.
Meech

You're right, Archimeech..this is good info. for anyone and everyone (especially those newly diagnosed) to know. Thanks! :)

This is an awesome topic! I got my OneTouch Ultra Smart for free a few months ago. The company I went with for my pump threw it in with the pump. There was a questionnaire that asked how long I had my current glucometer. Since it was "over a year", they sent me another one...and if I sent in my old meter, they also shipped me a 60-day supply of strips! It worked out great for me...I had 3 meters...I sent them the oldest (Glucometer Elite XL) that I hadn't used in forever!

Now...if someone can show us how to get the darn insulin for free....

Question for the Canadians!!! I've heard that there are a number of drugs that are cheaper in Canada (Maybe Bush can buy some flu shots!). I'm interested to know the cost of insulin for my neighbors to the north.

Originally posted by jazzy1
I've heard that there are a number of drugs that are cheaper in Canada (Maybe Bush can buy some flu shots!). I'm interested to know the cost of insulin for my neighbors to the north.
Hi Jazzy,

Though I'm not Canadian, ;) I have purchased insulin from an online Canadian drugstore (after much research). The price I was able to find (for Humalog) was approx. $30 per bottle (as opposed to $60 here in the US). Of course, I jumped at the deal, and got three bottles to start off (you do need a prescription to purchase from them). If you'd like to know where I purchased mine, I'll gladly give you the site. Please e-mail me at:
toloache51@msn.com for details. Hope this helps. :)

it's such a rip off either way. The DNA Recombinant Humulin Insulin has been on the market for 20 years now, and rather than get less expennsive, it's twice as expensive for Humalog than it was for Regular in '84. I use about 4-5 vials a month and am very lucky that I have insurance. I have made my last 3 job decisions based on what kind of medical insurance I could obtain. Luckily, all the other promotions and salary benefits went along with the insurance, but I couldn't even imagine not having insurance. I was without insurance for about 4 years, half way out of college and into my 3rd job after. I don't know how I made it through it all.
That is why I posted the tidbit about getting your glucometer free. No one should pay for something that they are giving out like, business cards at a salesman's convention. I try everything possible to save money, right down to using my infusion sets a little longer than what's recomended. Every little bit helps, but it's still not enough for some. I'm not sure that socialest medicine is the answer, but our free-market health care system, here in the US, is letting us down just as well.

It seems like it was only 3 years ago when I was paying $25.00 for a vial of Humalog. It was $65.00 the last time I bought some in a drug store.

Originally posted by lgvincent
It seems like it was only 3 years ago when I was paying $25.00 for a vial of Humalog. It was $65.00 the last time I bought some in a drug store.
That's what I remembered, too, lg. The last time I had to purchase from the local pharmacy, Humalog was only $25.00 per bottle. When I checked recently, I was floored by the price increase (Hence purchasing from Canada)! :eek: :mad:

Archimeech, you're right - there certainly does need to be a change in the way meds are priced and distributed in the US. I'm completely with ya there!

It is truly ridiculous what the government and pharmaceutical companies can charge. Not to mention the meter manufacturers.

You would think that the cost would at least stay the same. As technology allows us to make it cheaper they simply keep the same price tag and make more profit as they go.
When I bought my Minimed508 6 years ago, it cost me 4800.00, now that I'm looking at replacing it, all the pumps coast right at 6,000.00! I don't get it......

That's what I can't understand. Doctors and the ADA tell us that we need to check our bg levels often to avoid complications but with the rising costs of everything, how is the average American supposed to accomplish this? The rising cost of insulin pumps is what concerns me now. I may have to go on one to better my control but what do I do then when I can't afford it. The government really needs to take a closer look at what the medical industry is doing. Sorry to rant but this makes me mad!!!!
Cin

I use my infusion sets longer than I'm supposed to just to save on money. My insurance only covers 70% of what they consider medical supplies. Instead of changing my site every 3 days like I'm supposed to I use them about 5-7 days, depending on how the site is doing. I don't have the best control at the end of the cycle, but it allows me to get double the use out of 1 years supplies and thereby save money the second year.

It sucks, but one of the things I'm forced to do.

Yeah Meech. That truly does suck.

Cost of medicine and supplies has always been a gripe of mine. I just don't understand why our government can allow pharmaceuticals companies to charge outrageous prices for things that are necessity for us! It's different for things that people want like cosmetic surgery...but something that keeps a person alive??? Come'on!!

archimeech I did the same thing for years!! I recycled my syringes (and developed awful lumps) because I made too much money to qualify for welfare but not enough to cover basic supplies. You're right...gotta do what you gotta do. :mad:

[d]Dewey[/b] I'm about to shoot you an email. I'd LOVE to know where you get your supplies.

I did the same thing with my syringes, Jazzy. I used to use one a day, and usually was taking at least 4 shots with the same syringe.

Hi jazzy,

I don't mind sharing with ya. Most of my pump supplies have been purchased through eBay, and when I cannot find something there, I look at other online stores. One is Discount Diabetic Supplies, and I'll PM the website to you. I'll gladly share the info. anytime: just drop me a PM or an e-mail at: toloache51@msn.com

Originally posted by jazzy1
archimeech I did the same thing for years!! I recycled my syringes (and developed awful lumps) because I made too much money to qualify for welfare but not enough to cover basic supplies. You're right...gotta do what you gotta do.
I'm with both of ya on that one. I still recycle reservoirs, and when I hit a good site, I'll try to keep it going for as long as possible! You are both absolutely right on "what ya gotta do, ya gotta do!" :D

Originally posted by archimeech
I did the same thing with my syringes, Jazzy. I used to use one a day, and usually was taking at least 4 shots with the same syringe.
Me too. I figured that it wouldn't be too bad to do that considering I was the only one using them. I haven't done it too often but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Cin:)

the whole pharmacy prices and such are crazy these days,i went to pick up my lantus the other day and i was told that it was a not covered medicine.WHAT?so the pharmacist told me she'd give to me and she'd hassle with them to get the payment,howcan they possibly say insulin is not cover or needed?it is pure crazy.

Originally posted by christie
howcan they possibly say insulin is not cover or needed?it is pure crazy.

It might be the Lantus that your insurance is not covering...not insulin in general. I had a similar problem with my insurance when I switched to Lantus. It's still a fairly new drug (compared to others) and many insurance companies will make you go through **** and high water before they say "ok". My doctor and I had to prove that I had been on other stuff but still wasn't in the best control...and that it would be more cost effect for them what a joke huh? for them to cover the Lantus now instead of the medical bills later!

i can understand not wanting to cover new drugs,but insulin,what are you supposed to do go without,they did the same thing with zocor.but the lantus costs the same as humalog but they cover humalog.i'll fight to have to have this changed because i am not going back to the humalin u.i was so bad with that one i was low(bad low) atleast 4 times a week which i don't have with the lantus,the insurance company is'nt there to take care of my kids when i blackout,or drive my car when i can't see,which has happened on the u insulin.

I understand your troubles (trust me I do!) but insurance companies are all about the bottom line...not you, your kids, or your car. It was the same way with Humalog when it came out. I remember when my mom had to fight with them about covering it when my Dr. wanted me off of NPH. To them, Lantus is new...still in it's begining phases...more than likely they'll cover it, but you have to prove "necessity"...meaning why you need it when there are similar products on the market that they do cover.

If you don't mind me asking, who's your insurance provider? I had United Health Care at my last job and I ALWAYS had problems out of them!

OH, they'll cover it just as soon as it gets cheeper and they have some kind of contract with the maker of Lantus so they can make us grab our ankles yet again on the price!

Originally posted by archimeech
OH, they'll cover it just as soon as it gets cheeper and they have some kind of contract with the maker of Lantus so they can make us grab our ankles yet again on the price!
Amen to that Meech. I completely agree with you. Insurance companies don't look at the big picture. They only see what it is gonna cost them now, not what will happen later. Where will your insurance companies be should you have complications later on that could have been prevented?
Cin:)

I'm reposting this. I think it's too important to let go.
meech


Don't Pay for a Gucometer unless you really want to(Not a Solicitation just FYI)
This is not a solicitation! Just my wanting to give everyone some information. I wanted to post this as a thread of it's own. If you're in the US, sorry all in the UK and elsewhere, but I don't know if it works this way for you; you can get just about any glucometer at no charge to you. I have been diabetic for 20 years, in that time I have paid for only 1 meter, and that was because I really wanted it. The drug companies that make the meters and strips are like the cellular phone companies. they offer you a really good deal, if not free, on your phone or in our case the glucometer so that they can make tons of money on the service contract and strips. A meter is a one time purchase but those strips every month really make a ton of money for the companies. If you deal with a Diabetes Educator, and all of you should, then they will either have a good supply of brand new meters in a closet somewhere or they will be able to get you one at no charge from the local sales rep. My educator had so many at one time that she was giving 2 to every person. She needed to clean out the closet and just told us to use the other as a back-up or at work or whatever! I did pay for one, the Therasense FreeStyle Tracker. it is the meter that plugs into a PDA and I loved it. It was easy to use, easy to download, all ready hooked to the PDA (Handspring Visor) After the coupons and rebates that the Sales Rep from Therasense gave me, I wound up paying just the price for the PDA. So for all intense and purposes, it was free to me as well. I changed jobs and my new insurance doesn't cover the Therasense strips so I had to change glucometers. I simply called up my diabetes educator and asked for her opinion on a new one and if she had any available. She suggested the Lifescan One-touch Ultra Smart. The closest thing to a PDA type glucometer. She said to come by and she would leave one at the desk for me. At the same time I asked for another meter, just the One-touch Ultra for a coworker of mine. He is the son of 2 diabetics and checks his sugar every now and then just to watch it. She gave me one for him also. I then went online and downloaded their software for free. The computer cable didn't come with the meter so I called the Educator again and asked her for the reps name, got a hold of her and she mailed me the cable for free. If I would have bought it all off of the website from the manufacturer, it would have cost me at least $160.00 US! My prescription for strips is 300 for a 30 days supply, I think they make enough money off of me and my insurance company. If you don't go to an educator, call up the companies. Tell them your story and see what kind of meter they are willing to send you. We diabetics spend enough money, don't pay for a meter if you don't have to.


Last edited by archimeech on 10-08-2004 at 01:15 PM

i agree. dont let this topic die. i dont remember who showed us but i recieved my BD meter yesturday. i like it....

I think we've only paid for one meter...actually, it wasn't even the meter, it was the strips....got a free meter w/ it.

My mom has called accu-chek, and we've actually been sent free meters.

Originally posted by jared
i agree. dont let this topic die. i dont remember who showed us but i recieved my BD meter yesturday. i like it.... Still waiting on mine, Jared...how long did it take to get to you?
Meech, this is definitely a great topic and extremely helpful to those interested in a monitor, or new to Diabetes (and testing). All too often, people are unaware, and wind up spending unnecessarily.

Hey guys.

Rather than reposting threads, if it's already been posted give it a bump. All you have to do is reply in the original thread, and it will bump it up to new postings as well as to the top of the forum it's in. We'd rather see you do that than repeat posting (which is not allowed, but I'm turning a blind eye in this case).

Shy :)

I mentioned the free BD Logic. I had trouble with accuracy with them before, but my current one seems pretty good.

I received the free BD meter via UPS this week. It came with 50 strips. VERY awesome -- without insurance or a job (until I finish school...), it was extremely helpful.

Strangely enough, BD only sent the meter to me after I said that I have Insurance, and pay for my strips via a Copay. Both are lies -- I pay out of pocket...but when I was truthful and claimed I paid out of pocket, it sent a $40 off a BD glucose meter when buying one box of strips. Not very helpful to me.

Now I can can try to get BD strips off of eBay before the Medicare/Medicaid strip dealers on eBay bid high prices on those strips, too (I used to be able to get 100 Freestyle strips for $25 until those test strip dealers started bidding on them...). It's a shame our insurance prices are going up simply because people are getting extra strips and then turning around, selling them, for a huge profit -- without even the thought of a donation.

>>>>>Bump<<<<<<<<<

Originally posted by rzrbks
>>>>>Bump<<<<<<<<< LOL, Rzr! :D Bumpin' it up a notch, eh? ;)

Dewey it only took 1 week after I placed my order to receive the new meter i like it b/c it is a whole lot faster than my old accu-check and it only requires verry little blood..... but I am checking on different meters to see which one I like best... I am going to Wal-Mart today and using a coupon from freestyle flash for only 10.00... cant beat that.... can you guys please post different meter companines? Im still working on free meters to see which one I like best... thanks

Originally posted by jared
can you guys please post different meter companines? Im still working on free meters to see which one I like best... thanks There are quite a few meter vendors out there, but I can give a good website that lists many of them:

Children With Diabetes (http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_0i_000.htm)

Children With Diabetes offers good information on the various meters. I also gave names (and sites, respectively below) of the various meter companies (along with some meter names), as a few may not be listed on the CWD site...

1. Abbott (Medisense-Precision QID, Xtra, Freestyle, Softact)
2. Ascencia (A Bayer Company - Dex2, Breeze, Contour & Elite/XL)
3. BD (Makers of the BD Latitude and Logic)
4. CheckMate Plus (never heard of them, but a small meter...lol)
5. Focus (do not know if they're available in the US)
6. GlucoWatch (Cygnus - still need to reference w/another meter)
7. Home Diagnostics (Prestige IQ Meter - requires large sample)
8. Hypoguard (Make the Advance Micro-Draw and Quick-Tek)
9. Lifescan (Ultra, UltraSmart, Fast Take, InDuo, SureStep..)
10. Reli-On (Reli-On, NewTek and Ultima Meters)
11. Roche Diagnostics (Accu-Check Active, Advantage, Compact, Complete...)
1. Abbott Diabetes (http://www.abbott.com/diabetes/diabetes.cfm)
2. Bayer Diagnostics (http://www.bayerdiag.com/products_bycategory.cfm?catid=8)
3. BD Diabetes Care (http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/bgm/bgm.asp)
4. Check Mate Plus (http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_0i_220.htm) (Made by QuestStar, didn't have a page though)
5. Quest Star Medical (http://queststarmedical.com/product.html) (Focus)
6. Gluco Watch Cygnus (http://www.glucowatch.com/us/default.html)
7. Home Diagnostics (http://www.hdidiabetes.com/products-2.asp)
8. HypoGuard (http://www.hypoguard.com/)
9. LifeScan (http://www.lifescan.com/products/meters/)
10. Reli-On (http://www.relion.com/relion/index.html)
11. Accu-Check Meters (http://www.accu-chek.com/products/meters_meters.jsp)

Here is a website that describes most of the current meters available and gives a description of them all. In many cases there are links to the manufacturer's websites as well as reviews of many of the meters.

http://www.mendosa.com/meters.htm

Karen

Here ya go Meech. Bump !!!!!! Gotta keep it where we can see it.

bump it up a notch :thumbsup:

Is there a way to tack this up to the top?

Just gotta "bump it", baby! :D

Has anyone lese come across anymore-new meter companies interested in giving away free meters to test... :cool:

Has anyone lese come across anymore-new meter companies interested in giving away free meters to test... :cool:

Just call up one of the local hospital's CDEs. They should have pretty good knowledge of what's out there. Usually the sales reps always call on them and drop of all kinds of stuff. Or they can put you in contact with the reps.

:topic: How does one "bump" something? I'm bump challenged. http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage03/16.gif

:topic: How does one "bump" something? I'm bump challenged. http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage03/16.gif

You just did it. whenever you post a reply on a thread it is bumped to the chronological top of the page. :thumbsup:
oops, now I did it! :king:

Just gotta "bump it", baby! :D
I'm gonna leave that alone. :hypocrite

I've gotten most of my meters in the past for free. the only one we paid for, was this huge one that I put on my arm, called Soft-touch or something..but it kept breaking so we got our $300 back. But all you have to do, atleast what we do, is go to the Diabetic Team at the hospital when I have to do my check-up with them..and they usually give us a bunch of supplies if my mom can't afford them, and once in a while they give us a meter that the company is trying to promote.

Just moving it up a bit.

JUST BUMPING IT, BABY :whistling

:whistling You only bump the ones you love! errr, I mean hurt the ones you love, or love the bumps that are left by your hurt ones, hmmm how does that song go again? lol :1eye:

Just thought I go ahead and bump this one again. :)

Doin' Da Bump, yet again !!!!!!!!! :-

i would like to hear about som of you old timmers. how were the meters when they first were available to the public? how big were they. (Like cell phones were like the army walkie talkies)

i would like to hear about som of you old timmers. how were the meters when they first were available to the public? how big were they. (Like cell phones were like the army walkie talkies)
Ok. Well, I'm Not an old timer, ;) but the first meter I remember using was (in the 80's):

The Glucochek S.C.

It has reading times of 2 minutes and its dimensions are: 6 3/8" x 2 3/4" 7/8" (way bigger than the ones available now). Users had to insert the strip two times (once facing up, and the other after blood was applied). Strips used: Chemstrip BG (or for the Glucochek AD version, Dextrostix could be used).

The second meter I had was the:

Glucometer M.
It has reading times of 1 minute. Here's a pic:

http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/images/m01_sm.jpg

However, I think the "oldest" model is the Ames Reflectance meter, as shown on this site:

Diabetes Monitor (http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/arm.htm)

Even though those meters were "old school," they were a blessing at the time they were released. The other alternative was a visual test. Hope these help. ;)

My first one was the Accu-Check. It took 2 minutes to read the strip. One minute of time with the blood sitting on the strip then wipe, one minute later it would read it. the only memory you had was taping all the strips to a piece of paper for rereading later. It would check the color of the 2 chemicals on the tip and give you the reading. Man, I had forgotten how much that maching sucked! lol

Here just about every Drug store even Costco will have Specials on the testers..you buy the strips and the unit is free...I just got a new one last month as my first one was getting a tad worn it was 11 years old ...it took for ever to get a reading now I have the Precision Extra
...this will do just fine for a nother little while...Also at our Local Hospital Diabetes clinic we can trade our units in for a newer one...

Bumping it a notch !!!!!! ;)

Just thought I'd give this another bump! :)

I payed for one meter. My first one. Since then (1988) all have been free. My latest is the Ultra Smart. My endo gave me a coupon for a free one at my local pharmacy (CVS). I'm embarrassed to say, meech, I DID pay $30 for the cable to download to my laptop. :(

Zokes, it's all good. I'm just hoping I can save some people heartache and money if I can.

Hasn't been bumped since March. :eek: Thought I would give it a push. LOL :D

Ahhh, bumping and pushing.....sounds like we're dancing! :D Every time I hear someone "say" doing the bump, I think of that song "Doing the Butt, Aye, Sexy, Sexy!" (can't remember who it's by...LOL - Maybe Cameo)! :D

Interresting topic:) I got my first meter for free, but did pay for my accu-chek compact. But then, we don't pay for the test strips here in sweden, same with insulin, lancetts, needles, syringes, pump supplies and pump. Everything is free, except for the BGmeter, which is usually quite cheap :1eye:

Interresting topic:) I got my first meter for free, but did pay for my accu-chek compact. But then, we don't pay for the test strips here in sweden, same with insulin, lancetts, needles, syringes, pump supplies and pump. Everything is free, except for the BGmeter, which is usually quite cheap :1eye:

That is the same with us we can get everything on prescription in the UK, BG meters I have only had to pay for one, as my clinic gave me my other 2 (werent really supposed to, but did it out of kindness!)

Though the pump isnt really exactly free... but you can get funding.

A brief summary of the ways to get one for free:

1. Ask doctor/dietician/educator
2. Call company and ask
3. After coupon or rebates- especially if on sale at a store (watch ads)
4. With purchase of 100 or 50 strips
5. With trade-in
6. A combo of above ways

Just bumping it !!!!!!! :thumbsup:

Bumpity, bump bump! :D

Meech,hon, we are slacking. Hasn't been bumped since July. Maybe Tony could sticky it for the new members?? Just a thought.

Meech,hon, we are slacking. Hasn't been bumped since July. Maybe Tony could sticky it for the new members?? Just a thought.Not Meech or Tony, but this thread has been successfully STUCK. Thought it would be better stuck than have pages of BUMPING. :pcguru:

Not Meech or Tony, but this thread has been successfully STUCK. Thought it would be better stuck than have pages of BUMPING. :pcguru:
Thanks Harold. :adore: I really believe that this thread could be helpful to all members, especially the newly diagnosed.

So the case for my OneTouch Ultra finally died: the zipper broke off.

I had the thing for like two years and I am SICK of paying extortionist rates for the test strips (is it me, or are ALL the strips now like $0.80 a test?)

So I went browsing on the web and read up on the FreeStyle Flash and was SHOCKED/HORRIFIED at how SMALL the thing was. And it has a LIGHT for night time testing? Wow!

So I noticed three things about it:

1.) They had, at some point, and offer where if you bought 100 test strips the meter came bundled, I can not find that offer any more.

2.) There are a number of what I suspect to be 'shady' operators who will bill your insurance for you and hook you up with strips on a monthly basis. I like to get them as needed and don't trust them.

3.) Froogle.com showed that Walgreens online had the meter for $9.99. In complete dis-belief, I ordered it.

One week later, the meter showed up at my door for ten bucks. Works like a champ and I was so pleased I went back to froogle to post the link here.

Guess what, after my order, they fixed the price back up to $74 bucks.

So the lesson is this: keep your eyes peeled for cheap deals on the meter you want.

And I must again say the Freestyle flash is SHOCKINGLY small! I am quite pleased!!!!!

Cheers,
drew

It's good that you didn't pay the $74, but you still paid too much, Drew. Just about every endocrinologist and all Diabetes Educators should be able to hook you up with a free meter at any time without jumping through any hoops. If they don't have any on hand, then you get the sales rep's phone number and they can send you one. The strips are the hook, the meter should ALWAYS be free.

Again, read the initial post in this thread..........
:)

Hey all

I'm a canuck but, cannot comment on the price of the drugs here vs. elsewhere although I do recognize we are fairly lucky to have such great coverage and reduced prices. Don't ask me why drugs are less here.......I mean, isn't an orange an orange anywhere else?

Anywhooooo.....speaking of meters which, if I recall as it was almost 4 years ago, I think mine was almost free but, should I be replacing with a newer model? Mine is an Elite XL. Would the newer models more accurately test my blood? Are they less cumbersome or smaller or require less blood to test? What's the best meter out there with regards testing and portability?

And someone mentioned an Ascenscia Breeze and said it holds 10 discs......what's a disc?

Thanks for the heads up on the meters and testing supplies. Any buck saved with this expensive disease means alot to all of us! And I'm not just talking supplies.....it's expensive in the food arena too!

Cheers!

Hi Tiggrrrz: If I heard correctly, the drugs are cheaper here because the Govt. insists on it, that is in the agreement they have signed. Although I
have noticed they have risen a good bit in the past many years.
I have never paid for my meters. I usually get them free from my Endo, Dietician, Pharmacist(with the purchase of 100 strips, which our Insurance covers), etc. I was offered by a Friend, one of his Ascensia Breeze(he got 2
from his Endo), but I said "No thanks". I figure a person should have 2 of
the same one and I didn't want the disc(I didn't ask to see it, but later he
mentioned it sticks? occasionally).:dontknow: I like the Fast take, but I got
2 free upgrade card from One Touch, since my Fast Take is being discontinued and the Ultra is almost the same as my Fast Take. I did get the free Freestyle Mini/Flash last summer from my pharmasist. The Mini or Flash are almost the same, very small, light in back, etc. Most people like that meter. That's it.
Oh BTW, I would think oranges would be cheaper in the U.S.(Florida)
especially this time of year. :D Good Luck in your Choice.

Hey Canuck::ciao: I forgot www.mendosa.com has all of them in his site for you to see and learn about. :top:

Thanks Kick! Great information on that page you forwarded.

Re: oranges & Florida.......*sigh*.....yes, wish I was there!

Thanks again.

Hey hey all!

Sticky.......due to your invaluable advice, I will be receiving the Ultra Smart Touch System along with the software and a connector cable for my PC.

I emailed the company, asked if they could put me in touch with their local rep, who called me within a day, and he advised he'd be shipping the goods to me and I should receive it within a week.

As well, because I've heard these meters may have a problem with inaccurate readings, I'll try to keep you posted on this.

Thanks a bunch Sticky. You rock!

Well, I couldn't get the data cable but, I did get the Breeze with a disc of strips delivered by hand by a Bayer rep!

You guys gotta' try this! If Sticky hadn't mentioned this advantage I would have been stupid enough to buy the unit (aka the test strips) only to find out it either didn't suit my needs or wasn't what I wanted.

As well, I have emailed Roche for the Accu-Check Aviva System. Hopefully, this will also pan out as I'm looking for a suitable portable unit because my job takes me outside 90% of the time and I'm soooo sick of maneuvering those test strips.

How many times can I say thank you Sticky!

Well, I couldn't get the data cable but, I did get the Breeze with a disc of strips delivered by hand by a Bayer rep!

You guys gotta' try this! If Sticky hadn't mentioned this advantage I would have been stupid enough to buy the unit (aka the test strips) only to find out it either didn't suit my needs or wasn't what I wanted.

As well, I have emailed Roche for the Accu-Check Aviva System. Hopefully, this will also pan out as I'm looking for a suitable portable unit because my job takes me outside 90% of the time and I'm soooo sick of maneuvering those test strips.

How many times can I say thank you Sticky!

:D LOL. Okay I gotta butt in here. Please Stop thanking Sticky(although
that would be a cute nickname for a Diabetic). Thank Archimeech. He is the
one who stuck(called a sticky) that thread up there so it wouldn't move. :thumbsup: It will be interesting to see which one you end up using
most of the time. Carry on. :vroam:

Hey hey all!

Sticky.......due to your invaluable advice, I will be receiving the Ultra Smart Touch System along with the software and a connector cable for my PC.

I emailed the company, asked if they could put me in touch with their local rep, who called me within a day, and he advised he'd be shipping the goods to me and I should receive it within a week.

As well, because I've heard these meters may have a problem with inaccurate readings, I'll try to keep you posted on this.

Thanks a bunch Sticky. You rock!

LMAO! who is Sticky? I think you have the type of post this is confused. It is a "sticky" post, as in, the little peices of paper 3M made famous that you write a note on and stick to something. Very cute, though; I've been called a lot of things, but never sticky! oh my ;)

My brother-in-law's nickname is Sticky but I could never tell you why :rolleyes: (use your imagination) :o

i have so many free meters, that my pump came with an untrasmart and i just noticed it. lol

I went to Wichita to see the diabetes doctor today and she gave me an accu-check Avia. I can always use a back up meter. Let you know later if I like it.

You don't even need to go through your educator. Just call the meter company, tell them you are on another meter and you would like to try theirs, but don't want to pay for it. I can almost assure you they will send you some sort of coupon for a free meter, or actually send the free meter. I just contacted precision because I wanted an Xtra, and they did not even hesitate to send me the coupons.

:dito:

I was just about to say this too.

When I saw the One Touch Ultra and wanted it, I just called the number of the back of my old one touch I was using and told them I was currently using Acu-chek Brand but my insurance gave be better co-pays on thiers, and wanted to try an Ultra out.

The sales rep was like- "um... ok, whats your name/address.. Oh I see you have used a Profile before, yeah, I can send you an Ultra." :thumbsup:

I also got an Acucheck meter the same way, just swap the names around. :evil:

I just laugh when I see the ridiculous prices they sell for in the stores.

The companies get a FORTUNE out of selling the teststrips. They should be mailing the meters to anyone who asks!

So when I was at the CDE's today anyway (3 month check) I was glancing at her shelf and she said, "Do you see anything you want?" I said I would like to try the FreeStyle and she gave it to me.

Unfortunately she didn't have any strips so I am going to have to get my doctor to write a script for them somehow.

I ride my bike to work whenever I can. I have an Accu-Chek compact and have to take it back and forth to work. On Monday I emailed Accu-Chek and told them I would like to have a second meter to leave at work and that I really didn't want to buy a second...

They're sending me a new accu-chek compact.

Good point!

In Canada we get everything for free....I actually got two meters, micro-lancets and strips for free as I wanted one for home and one for my office.

Who wants to carry everything around...

Cheers....

and strips for free

Are you serious? You get strips for free without insurance?

I have been a Type 2 for many years. I am in need of a new meter...but I have never found a free one!

I have been a Type 2 for many years. I am in need of a new meter...but I have never found a free one!

call any meter company abbot, accu-check.. they will send you one free.....

Are you serious? You get strips for free without insurance?

Yes, here in the Great White North, we're all covered by OHIP, or some provincial plan (that is people in Ontario - the Ontario Health Insurance Program). Now, I don't know whether it's my company drug plan that covers this or OHIP, but I get everything for free.

Any other Canucks answer this? Do we get the strips for free or would this be a drug plan?

Cheers,
Phranky

I notice everyone here seems to be talking about insulin and strips and whatnot....anyone got a way (hello Canada :call: ) go get a Byetta pen for less than $80? My wife is on (I think) Glipizide, Avandia and Metformin for her Type II. I'll split the savings with ya! :wink:

I'm readin all these posts and thinking: lucky you who has the insurance that covers everything. I don't have one and have to look for all those free deals myself. The sad thing is most of those free deals will still require a prescription. For example I found this link on this forum:
http://contourmeter.capturepoint.com - offers a free meeter, but as it turns out, it requires a prescription.
and whoever has RiteAid stores around, this week's flyer advertised an Ultra meeter for $30 with $30 mail-in rebate. The offer is good for the week of March 4-10.
So far I found out that ebay is the cheepest source for the strips.Also this store has pretty good prices on them: www.americandiabeteswholesale.com

Please keep posting free meeter deals here. Or better yet, send the info on cheap test strips.

Also if you have any usused strips that are about to expire and you know you'll never use them anyway, I'll gladly accept them (will pay for shipping)

I'm readin all these posts and thinking: lucky you who has the insurance that covers everything. I don't have one and have to look for all those free deals myself. The sad thing is most of those free deals will still require a prescription. For example I found this link on this forum:
http://contourmeter.capturepoint.com - offers a free meeter, but as it turns out, it requires a prescription.



I called the 800 number for this meter and they sent me the meter by Fedex in less than a week. No prescription was needed. The number is 1-800-348-8100

well my ultrasmart is faulty, so they are sendingme an ultrasmart and a one touch ultra !!! free ofcharge...atleast something good came out of this =/

i just got off the phone with AccuCheck, told them I would like to try the Aviva ( however it is spelled ) and they are sending me one out today Fedex overnight , so I should have it tommorow.:cool:

Yes, here in the Great White North, we're all covered by OHIP, or some provincial plan (that is people in Ontario - the Ontario Health Insurance Program). Now, I don't know whether it's my company drug plan that covers this or OHIP, but I get everything for free.
Any other Canucks answer this? Do we get the strips for free or would this be a drug plan?
Cheers,
Phranky

Hi Phranky, well as far as your drugs or strips, etc., either the
Company you work for pays for it all(as my Hubbie's does) or they
take a bit off your check every month usually(it should show on your
paystub).
Senior Citizens get a cheque of course and I think they pay $2.00
for each prescription also people who are on disability and Welfare/
Ontario works. If people are on EI they get a portion of what their
last jobs pay was and I think drug coverage(not sure on that). None
of these Folks pay taxes.
This is a portion of what your taxes are paying for:

http://www.university.ca/eng/canadainfo/healthcare/onthealth.htm

Each Province and Territory has it's own Health Insurance Plan.

OOPPS, as you probably know ALL Canadians are covered
under the Health Insurance Plan. Diabetics, etc. still do not
pay anything to see the Ophthamologist. I think they
added a small fee for normal people recently. My Daughter
said she had to pay $28. to see her eye Doc in Nov. :ahhhhh:
I know where we are heading.
I would recommend that you get Insurance if you travel
out of Canada however, if you end up needing Medical Care.
I remember we went to New York and as we were driving I
happened to take a reaction in the car. Luckily Hubbie
noticed, stopped the car at a restaurant and got me a big
glass of OJ. Our Friends said we were lucky I didn't end up
in the Hospital there. Didn't even think about Insurance.
OHIP covers very little out side of Canada.

I got the Aviva from Fedex just a little while ago, and they sent me a bottle of 50 strips to get started.

I got the Aviva from Fedex just a little while ago, and they sent me a bottle of 50 strips to get started.

Wow!!
palefacegirl03,You know how to find deals!!
how do you find all those deals and how did you get that aviva for free with strips?

Wow!!
palefacegirl03,You know how to find deals!!
how do you find all those deals and how did you get that aviva for free with strips?

I just called AccuChek's number 1-800-858-8072 and I told them that I was interested in trying that meter. I have 2 other Accuchek meters , so just asked if they would send me an Aviva so that I could try it out.

Call any of the meter companies customer service numbers and just ask. Tell them you are thinking about switching meters and would like to try theirs. Accuchek is the only one that has sent me 50 strips, the others just have the 10-25 that come with the meters. It cant hurt to call. Also sign up for emails or whatever on the websites and they send out coupons sometimes.
I got a coupon from the Dlife site for a free Freestyle flash a couple of months ago.

ADC Patient Assistance >>>ONLY COMPANY TO OFFER THIS!! It is suppose to be for people w/ no insurance or insurance that do not cover testing supplies.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the phone# 866-972-7863

Hope this helps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

ADC Patient Assistance >>>ONLY COMPANY TO OFFER THIS!! It is suppose to be for people w/ no insurance or insurance that do not cover testing supplies.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the phone# 866-972-7863

Hope this helps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!


I have tried calling, long hold time. Left a message for call back, will try again tommorow.

My wife needs to have a second meter so she can have one at work and one at home. I don't want her to have two different brands since I want to make sure the results are as consistent as possible. After reading this thread (and getting my hopes up), I called Abbott (she decided she'd like to try the Freestyle Flash). The rep I spoke to was very polite and helpful...but alas, no free meters. Just told me that the best they can do is a $40 rebate...and that's offered to everyone! The going rate for a Flash meter around here is $80. Any suggestions? Her second choice was the Precision Xtra.

give me a day or 2, I will post a free meter coupon you can download, and take into any store, or a freestyle flash.... Ijust need a day or 2 to scan it and get it posted.........

My NP gave me TWO OneTouch UltraSmarts. Nice meter, glad I made the change to it.

My insurance company, that I was complaining about before, sent me a new Ascensia Contour and 200 extra strips. All I did was mention I wouldn't mind having another one to keep in my purse. Really they are doing a pretty good job helping me out and asking little in exchange.....just in case your insurance co. asks you to join one of their programs:)

Ahhh, bumping and pushing.....sounds like we're dancing! :D Every time I hear someone "say" doing the bump, I think of that song "Doing the Butt, Aye, Sexy, Sexy!" (can't remember who it's by...LOL - Maybe Cameo)! :D

Actually there was a dance called "The Bump" back in the late 70s disco era. And yeah, the idea was generally the same.

I was here about a month ago and someone had posted a coupon for a free freestyle meter now i cant seem to find the post. if anybody knows where it is could you please post the link to the thread. i have tried calling a few of the companys and so far no luck, i'm starting to think only way i'm going to get a meter is with coupon for one. anyways if anyone knows where that thread is or has any info on where i can get coupon for a free meter i'd surely appreciate you letting me know . thanks in advance

i have tried calling a few of the companys and so far no luck,

What do you tell the people that talk to you ? I flat out tell them I have no insurance, and pay cash for my strips. I test 8 to 10 times a day and If you won't provide me with a free meter (because I like yours) I will go to a company that will provide me with one, and they can have all my money


I have not had one turn me down yet.

i have told them i have no insurance and have to pay cash for all my supplies so far best offer was for 40 to 50 buxx off , maybe i'll try adding what you said "If you won't provide me with a free meter (because I like yours) I will go to a company that will provide me with one, and they can have all my money" and see how that goes. thanks

I was here about a month ago and someone had posted a coupon for a free freestyle meter now i cant seem to find the post. if anybody knows where it is could you please post the link to the thread. i have tried calling a few of the companys and so far no luck, i'm starting to think only way i'm going to get a meter is with coupon for one. anyways if anyone knows where that thread is or has any info on where i can get coupon for a free meter i'd surely appreciate you letting me know . thanks in advance
Did you mean this thread??

Free Meter Offer (http://www.diabetesforums.com/monitoring/9319-free-meter-offer.html)

I have scored 4 free meters now (over a period of years, that is!) What I have done is call company A, tell them that I have a meter from company B, that I'm a pumper who uses many strips a day, but really like the look of their meter better, and would they be abe to send me a freebie? Once they said they couldnt send me a freebie of the one I wanted, but offered me an older meter. I just polietly said "oh no, thats ok, I'll just stick with my company B meter instead, but thank you anyway" They put me on hold, talked to a supervisor, and got me the freebie I wanted. I dont know exactly how it works in America, but over here it is really the strips they want to sell, so if they know that you are a requent tester they are normally pretty happy to give you a meter so you use their strips. Now I work in a NDSS (diabetes services) chemist, where we sell a lot of meters. Theres a new meter coming out anytime now that my boss has already organised a freebie for me of. =) Im in meter heaven.

Keep in mind that if you have T2 diabetes or dont tests often, you are less likely to get a freebie, as they realise that you may not be using as many strips. But I'd try it anyway!

Well done, Diana. It's the same in the States, except it's easier to get a free meter. The local sales reps for the meter companies will hand them out freely. They make a killing on the strips, so why should any of us ever pay for a meter. I'm moving soon and started packing up the house. I've just started to pack up all of my Diabetes supplies that I don't use on a regular basis. I took inventory of my back-up meter supply and realized that I have about 10 un-opened meters sitting in my big basket of goodies just waiting for me to put a strip into. Half of them, I didn't even ask for. the companies jsut send them to me. I'm every drug pushers dream junkie. I go through about 300 strips a month, and they're all salivating at the thought of getting me hooked on their meter. :)

My wife needs to have a second meter so she can have one at work and one at home. I don't want her to have two different brands since I want to make sure the results are as consistent as possible. After reading this thread (and getting my hopes up), I called Abbott (she decided she'd like to try the Freestyle Flash). The rep I spoke to was very polite and helpful...but alas, no free meters. Just told me that the best they can do is a $40 rebate...and that's offered to everyone! The going rate for a Flash meter around here is $80. Any suggestions? Her second choice was the Precision Xtra.
Have you tried dLife? I signed up there and also signed my mother up both of us received little welcome kits (you have to request these on the dLife values page a gift from the diabetes shoppe) that included a coupon for a free freestyle flash or feestyle meter.

The store magazine has a coupon for a FREE FreeStyle Flash on the inside cover.

OUT!

Have you tried dLife? I signed up there and also signed my mother up both of us received little welcome kits (you have to request these on the dLife values page a gift from the diabetes shoppe) that included a coupon for a free freestyle flash or feestyle meter.

My suggestion is you tell that rep (or better, call the company and tell them about your rep), that they are about to lose a customer, and the cost of another meter surely would be less than the cost to the company for losing a lifelong customer.

Do you have a Diabetes Educator? they usually have a closet full of meters. The last time I was at my DE, she gave me 2 Ultra-Smart meters, and they had a ton of the Freestyles there as well. Unfortunately, my insurance won't cover the Freestyle strips, I rather prefer their system to the Ultra.

I was diagnosed 6 weeeks ago and my Dr gave me a scrip for a meter and enough strips/lancets for 1 year. When I called my Health Insurance to see what ones they covered, they put me in touch with thier mail prescriptin service and I got an Accu-chek Aviva free with 90 days of supplies total cost to me $56

I found this from a "freebie" message board.

Anyone looking to try a different FREE meter from Bayer, go here:
http://www.bayermeters.com/

At the bottom of the page, select either the Breeze or the Contour "upgrade." They will send one to you.

It will help to say that your insurance pays for your strips, that you test a lot per day, and, well, give information that would indicate that you are a diabetic ---- and not someone who is attempting to get a freebie only to resell on eBay because you think it's worth $50 (funny thing is this meters aren't selling for $1 on eBay, so HAH on the non-diabetics trying to get something for nothing!).

Note: They require 15 seconds to report a result, and require about 3 microliters of blood. I'm glad I was able to "sample" the meter, but my own use of this meter has resulted in just moving the batteries to my current glucose meter (hee hee).

If you're looking to try the Accuchek Aviva for "free", check your local Walgreens ad for this week (ends on the 15th of July, I believe).

My Walgreens is offering the Aviva for $40, and then there is a $40 mail-in-rebate (along with "$25 in coupons", which consists of a random selection of $5 off coupons for Multiclix lancets and $5 off a box of strips).

The silly thing is that they say, "SALE ON AVIVA STRIPS!!!! $95/100". My gosh, that's $1 a strip (minus 5 strips for random errors).

The last time this deal was offered a few months ago, I was surprised how quickly the $40 rebate check came (about 3 weeks).

I did receive some meters free, but I also bought some really cheap by waiting for sales. I got several meters for $9.99 at Walmart and Walgreens. I don't know about you guys, but I don't feel like shlepping ONE meter all over the place. I have 1 at home upstairs, 1 downstairs, 1 at work, 1 at my parents' house and 1 in my gym bag.

If only the strips were so cheap and easy to get...

Dennis

Does anyone know where I can get a free BD Logic monitor? I used to have the URL to a survey that you could fill out and get a free one. The URL I had came on a card in a box of BD pen needles, but I lost the card. Anyone know of something like this? Thanks.

Nevermind, found something.

https://forms.bd.com/diabetes/pc228/index.sp

Does anyone know where I can get a free BD Logic monitor?

Let me know if that does not work, I have a still in the box one they sent me for whatever reason. I will mail it to you.

Let me know if that does not work, I have a still in the box one they sent me for whatever reason. I will mail it to you.

It works, but you need a doctors prescription to redeem the coupon. :P

Wow... i didnt realise you all had to pay for your insulin. Here in the Uk i get my insulin on prescription for free. I am on Humalog 3 times a day and humlin I before bed. Any other item of medication what so ever i get for nothing as i have an exemption card for all medication etc because i am diabetic. I was thinking seriously of emigrating to the USA last year but the insurance etc did worry me....

It works, but you need a doctors prescription to redeem the coupon. :P

If you want mine, just PM and I will mail it out.

If you want mine, just PM and I will mail it out.

Its ok, but thanks for the offer.

Often times your Health insurance will offer certain ones for free. You have to ask, they won't tell you up front.

I ended up getting one for about $15. Just go to Walgreens, CVS or whatever, buy the BD Logic for $35 and send in the $20 rebate.

Often times your Health insurance will offer certain ones for free. You have to ask, they won't tell you up front.
well, sometimes they won't. But Bluecross sent me a letter offering me the OneTouch Ultra, just send in the card and they'd send me the meter. I'm in total agreement about NOT paying for meters. There are just too many ways to get them for free. I watch all the big drugstores, Walgreens, CVC, etc, they have offers for free meters all the time. Sometimes I get them when they have a few strips, every one counts, just in case I need them..and it's a good way to try a meter if you're interested and your insurance pays for the strips, or you're paying out of pocket. Registering with at the different meter company websites might get your offers without asking to. I got a free Aviva and 50 strips recently from Accu-cheK. they contacted me through the mail, offering me the meter for free. I was surprised to get the strips too. A friend of mine got the same offer for the free meter. she was happy with her meter and wasn't really interested, til she found out I got the strips too. We both are using the meter, so sometimes it pays off for them to give the meter AND strips. Now a days, they don't always include strips, so even if you get the meter free you have to buy strips if you want to use it. When every penny counts you don't really want to spend money on something that you're not going to like. and they usually come with maybe 10 strips when they do...that's one days supply for me, I need a few days to know whether I really like it, compare it my other meter, etc. ;)

Good to hear Katherine! Surprising...

A couple months ago I contacted each meter company and told them I wanted to change from my currant FreeStyle to another meter. I told them I tested 8-10 times a day, and if they wanted me to become a customer of theirs then they would need to provide me with a free meter and enough strips to test for a month. And they did provide it for me.

A couple months ago I contacted each meter company and told them I wanted to change from my currant FreeStyle to another meter. I told them I tested 8-10 times a day, and if they wanted me to become a customer of theirs then they would need to provide me with a free meter and enough strips to test for a month. And they did provide it for me.

But I don't know if that will work if you are already on their customer list.. I guess I could just say I lost the meter, and if they don't give it to me, I will just switch to one that will give me a free meter.

But I don't know if that will work if you are already on their customer list..

It did for me with Freestyle. I told them I lost mine and if they wanted to keep me as a 8 to 10 day a testing customer, then they would need to send me another meter.



Worth a shot !

FYI, in the September Walgreens "Supersaver Catalog", they are selling the Accu-chek Aviva meter for $19, and then a $19 mail-in-rebate, making this a free item. Plus, you get 10% back if you have them apply the rebate to your Walgreens gift card (and they'll send you one if you don't have it).

Of course, you can always call Accu-chek and ask them to send you one, but this deal would be good for those who want an extra meter or don't feel like haggling for a free one.

FYI, in the September Walgreens "Supersaver Catalog", they are selling the Accu-chek Aviva meter for $19, and then a $19 mail-in-rebate, making this a free item. Plus, you get 10% back if you have them apply the rebate to your Walgreens gift card (and they'll send you one if you don't have it).

Of course, you can always call Accu-chek and ask them to send you one, but this deal would be good for those who want an extra meter or don't feel like haggling for a free one.
Thanks for the heads up. I need a back up!

I just came home from Walmart...they had the Aviva on sale for less than $18 and the Active for less than $5. Not sure about the Active, but you get up to a $40 rebate with Aviva plus some coupons. Great for back up meters when you already got a free one.

I just recently got sent TWO new glucometers (work and home) as well as a pc download kit for free from a company called CareSens. They're great monitors, too!!!

In Australia, my insulin costs me $29.40 (aud) for 75 ml... about 3 months worth

I just recently got sent TWO new glucometers (work and home) as well as a pc download kit for free from a company called CareSens. They're great monitors, too!!!

In Australia, my insulin costs me $29.40 (aud) for 75 ml... about 3 months worth

Hey Mate,
You might want to post how you did it, so anyone from Australia can follow the same procedure!

oops... good point...

just go to www.caresens.com.au, and use the email link. Mark is happy to send one to anyone who is going to use it as their primary meter... I love mine!!!

oops... good point...

just go to www.caresens.com.au, and use the email link. Mark is happy to send one to anyone who is going to use it as their primary meter... I love mine!!!
I like this site....their meters are quite innovative! Too bad they're not available in the US! (D'oh! :****mate: )

Another friend showed me a cool site/link. For those friends in Canada:
itest monitoring system (http://www.itestglucose.com/index.html)

If enough of you are interested, I'm happy to chat to Mark and see about the posibility of marketing Caresens in the US?? Its actually a Korean product, so I don't see why it wouldn't be possible. It's seriously the BEST meter I have EVER used!!! And in 14 years, thats a pretty good thing!

I was in Walgreens yesterday and noticed the Freestyle Flash was on sale or priced @ $9.99 That is a pretty good price and you don't have to mail in any rebates. But I do think there is a rebate on it as well. If not it's still a great deal.

Also, they have the Ultra Smart and Ultra 2 on sale for $29.99 (the ultra smart has a rebate of 20.00 and or a trade in rebate for 30.00, and the ultra 2 has a $30.00 rebate=free :) )

These deals were too good to not share... especially the Freestyle Flash for 10 bucks.

Cheers,
Tom

I'm in Australia and I just got a phone call from Accuchek. They were calling to see how my Accuchek go was working, and I told them that I had changed to a different meter, which is by a different company (freestyle papillon mini by Abbott). So then they offered to send me out a free Accuchek Integra, which is a newer machine by them! Ok, so will wait to get that in the mail sometime in the next week or so...

So, this is a list of the meters I have now received free... Accuchek go, 2 Medisense optium xceeds, caresens, freestyle papillon, and now an integra. I work in a pharmacy that does a lot of diabetes stuff, so that is how I scored one of the xceeds, and the papillon. The others have been from calling the companies and asking nicely, except for this last one.

I think meter companies like pumpers..

The current Diabetes mag at Walgreens has a bunch of meter coupons in it.

Next time I get my refill scrip for 50 test strips ($12 with insurance) I'm gonna get a backup Freestyle Flash for free.

I just got my free Ultra2 One Touch. I think it is from the place online that Brian sent us to. It only takes 5 seconds, but seems a bit complicated. I have just used it once though, so maybe need to give it more of a chance. I love the little case that comes with it though, and the sticker is really nice. I will have to see if my doctor will give my next prescription for strips for the One Touch. Are some more expensive than others? Will my insurance not want to pay for them?

I just got my free Ultra2 One Touch. I think it is from the place online that Brian sent us to. It only takes 5 seconds, but seems a bit complicated. I have just used it once though, so maybe need to give it more of a chance. I love the little case that comes with it though, and the sticker is really nice. I will have to see if my doctor will give my next prescription for strips for the One Touch. Are some more expensive than others? Will my insurance not want to pay for them?
I have the UltraSmart and it is one of the meters that my insurance covers. Check with your insurance company. I know that mine has their formulary on their website. Maybe yours does too.
I personally love the One Touch line. I'm looking into getting a U2 or the mini. Of course, I think Spike may have had some trouble with the mini. I'll have to email him and find out.

I have the UltraSmart and it is one of the meters that my insurance covers. Check with your insurance company. I know that mine has their formulary on their website. Maybe yours does too.
I personally love the One Touch line. I'm looking into getting a U2 or the mini. Of course, I think Spike may have had some trouble with the mini. I'll have to email him and find out.

Cin, Did you go to the site that was posted by Brian? I took their survey about 3 weeks ago, and the Ultra2 came today.

Cin, Did you go to the site that was posted by Brian? I took their survey about 3 weeks ago, and the Ultra2 came today.
No I didn't but I probably will.

Thanks for the information. I've just been diagnosed and I was told that not all meters are accurate and the self calibrating ones are best . Can someone e-mail me about this. I understand that 2 companies on the internet will send one free. How do I get the lancets and lancet holder? alvinandtina@earthlink.net

they come with it, but you can buy more lancets for about 10 bucks

but you generally all you need in the kits you get for free, just to get you started, i personally love the one touch ultra2 and my mini

At endo's office today I asked if they had an abundance of meters. Told them that the UltraSmart they gave me at the last visit had sticky buttons - you have to hit it just right to get it to go. (I've used an US since they first came out and knew this wasn't typical of the meter.) Anyway, to the cabinet she went and I have a new one. The other one is usable, just not convenient so I'll leave it at work. The one I had before that had a pitted screen from where I droped an alcohol pad on it. (I've e-mailed LifeTouch about both these problems and have received no reply.)

Anyway - as has been said - ask, ask, ask! FreeStyle's were stacked in the corner - no room in the cabinet!

where is this site that gives free glucometers?

Hey gang hope everyone is doin ok.One I wanted to say Merry Christmas. The other is I use Fred's Pharmacy for all my scripts. I went in the other day and they are giving away Tru-trak meters for free. I know a tru-trak is not the easiest or best meter to use but hey it is free. They ask no questions ,I asked about it and they handed me one. Just thought you would like to know. Before this I wanted to try a trutrak because a friend had one and he liked it. So I contacted the trutrak company and asked if they had any specials or coupons for getting one at a reasonable price. They emailed me back and asked for my addres. I sent it to them and 3 days later I had 300 strips,lancets a new meter and 2 bottles of control solution. If you add that up it is a good chunk of change for 300 strips. They sent it all to me for free.Just thought you would like to know.
Meters I have gotten free through the years:
Basic One TOuch
2-tru-trak
2-Ascensia Contour
3-One touch Ultra2
1-One touch ultra
Plus just started getting my supplies from an online svc and they are sending me another ultra2.

All I do is look up the manufactures phone numbers, ring them up and tell them that I want to try such and such meter, and that I test between 12-26 times per day (I am on a insulin pump, and I am severely hypo-unaware) and they send me the meter(s) that I want to try and a sampling of 50 strips.
I have gotten a Accu-Chek Aviva kit, a Therasense Freestyle Freedom, and such like that, and enough strips to give a good opinion (sorry guys I like my Freestyle CoZmonitor which hooks to the back of my CoZmo pump).

my daugther has three meters and we have never paid for any of them. She has a freestyle freedom, she has a contour, one touch ultra2 . It is them strips that cost an arm and a leg.

I have just started testing my bs was jsut diagnosed in Jan and I am very interested in the one touch system if it really works as good as it says it does. I am having problems testing my fingers not getting enough blood flow. Do any of you use this one touch machine? do you like it? I am seeing a diabetes teacher for the first time next week so maybe she will have a some samples? I just got a ton of these testing strips so I hate to put them to waste but if its a good tester I would gladly get it. Thanks for the help
Hugs
Shannon

IMO one touch line is the best on the market... however that being said, it depends on your situation, such as type 1 pumpers who test alot more, or want something to go with there pump vs just a type 2 that doesnt require insulin, i have gotten several meters for free, and if i dont like the feel of it in my hand or otherwise, i wont use it..... if i was going brand wise here is my list, keep in mind ive yet to get me a free freestyle, because my insurance wont pay for there strips... im gonna list them as third cause they do seem pretty and i think i would like how they feel

#1 - One touch
#2 - Accucheck
#3 - Freestyle
#4 - all others...



The ultra 2 to me is very easy to use

stick the strip in, change the code up or down when needed, poke your finger, test, once you test you can just change the button up to make it a before meal or after meal, if it doesnt fall into that category then you dont choose anything, or you can choose other reason for the test by hitting the down button such as feeling hypo, mild excercise, too much food etc. and you just hit ok after each selection

but dont forget if you test with control solution after sticking the strip in, youll see the apply blood screen, just hit the up button and it changes to apply solution, if you dont do this then a control test will be in your meter averages

Thought I'd just update this with a bit of info for UK-based posters. Lifescan are currently doing an upgrade programme where you can get a free Ultra2 monitor - just visit LifeScan United Kingdom -- Free Upgrade to OneTouch Ultra2 (http://www.lifescan.co.uk/upgrade) and fill in the forms.

However, if you're feeling smart, you'll probably want the UltraSmart, which is a much more feature-laden meter. Just call 0800 121200 and tell them you're interested in trying out the UltraSmart. They'll ask if you want to buy it - just say you're interested in trialling it out. They'll take your details and ask you how many times a day you test. If you're doing your job right, be honest - anything over 6 times a day is 'a lot' to them and they'll agree that the UltraSmart is the best monitor for you and they'll send one out to you.

I also tried to blag a free USB cable too but the woman was very apologetic and said she couldn't do that. Even when I said, "Come on, we both know that you're making your money on the strips, not the cables." HOWEVER - 2 minutes after I'd got off the phone to them, they gave me a call back and said that they'd be happy to include a free USB cable as a gesture of goodwill. So in other words, I've just saved myself about £30 and got everything I need. Just remember when you're on the phone that deep down they really want you to have the monitor and they're quite happy to pony them up for free if they think they can get a prescription out of you - and if you're UK-based, remember, you don't have to pay for those either!

If it helps, I spoke to 'Henrietta', so it might be worth asking for her since she knows the procedure.

By the way, also works for the Freestyle monitors too - call 0500 467 466, tell them you want to trial a monitor and that you test 8-12 a day. They can't wait to send you one.

Well I finally found a BS tester that I liked, and that had all the features I wanted and some even that I didn’t even think about using. It’s the Onetouch Ultrasmart!! ATM I use Accu-chek and I don’t like it. So I used the advice from this forum and called One touch and explained I had just gotten diagnosed in January and I was interested in getting a new monitor from them and wanted to know if they would give me one.

I got a HUGE attitude from the lady who answered the phone. She said well I don’t know anyone who would “GIVE AWAY” a free monitor. So I was like well hmm ok then and was about to hang up and she took all my info down and asked me hold on for a second. So I did and she came back on the phone in less then 10 sec all of a sudden being all sugar and honey saying it was NP at all and they would be sending me out my monitor today and I will get it in 3 to 5 days!! LOL!!! WOOHOOO

Someone must have had a talking to her while she had me on hold cause her whole attitude changed!

The sad thing is yesterday I lost my insurance!! So I don’t know how I am going to be able to pay for my rx’s that cost more then $700 a month!! I am searching everywhere online and in RL looking for organizations or people who help out low income people get there rx’s. If anyone knows anything about programs or people who will help out in situations like this please let me know ASAP!!! I really need it!! My doctor didn’t mean it but he really screwed up my refills and instead of having a month to fix this I only have 2 weeks till I will have to refill my patch meds, which are like $150! Anyway thanks so much again for letting me know about all these meters and how I can get it for free cause now I got one on the way and it looks SO cool!!! /does happy dance.
Hugs
Shannon
:D :flowers: :party:

Shanon,
Sounds like you got a "BG" (blood glucose meter -- maybe she thought you were asking for a "BS" detector, which you already have. :-) (It's hard not to snicker when I see people checking their "BS" levels -- I'm thinking, "You need a meter for that?!"

Okay, joke aside, have you read the "Freebies for You and Me" thread? There is a link in there on how to get a free Ultra2, Ultrasmart, or (if you're patient enough to find the insurance company that offers it), the Onetouch mini-pen (I think only 1 or 2 of the companies offer that). You can order it and not even talk to a human.

You can also order a Bayer meter that way.

I know it won't help with your insurance costs, but maybe you can find cheaper strips from an on-line pharmacy.

Shannon,

Try this site. It's not a scam, my sister has used it. Sorry I don't know how to put links in. http://www.freemedicinefoundation.com/

Shannon, there is also Rx Outreach Patient Assistance Program for Discount Prescription Drugs (http://www.rxoutreach.com) . They only dispense generics, and they don't have EVERY med out there, but they send you 3 months worth for either $20 or $30 ... depending upon the 'class' of drug it is. I used this for a year, until Wal-Mart came out with their $4 generic drug plan, and I could get my Metformin and Glipizide I was on at the time, cheaper that way ;) I loved the place tho! When you're up for refill, just call them (if you have a credit or checkcard) and with in a week you'll have your meds (usually had mine in about 4 days!!) I think when I signed up, it only took 10 days at most!

As for strips, there is NO help out there! And it's a SHAME too, cuz that's my most expensive expenditure, next to the doc. I have been using an online pharmacy place, where you can get 50 strips for $41 and some change to your door, or 100 for $74 and some change (I think it is), to your door. There is also eBay. I just bought 100 strips from someone there for $47 to my door! NOW, you'd best be stocked up a bit (at LEAST a weeks worth of strips, better yet two weeks) before you buy from eBay, since the sellers aren't speedy on the shipping! Took me a week to get them! THE day I was to run out of strips!! I think I had 2 strips left when they came in the mail!

I dont have insurance either, so know exactly where you're coming from here! ;) It's 'spensive to be diabetic! ;)

Good Luck!

Just a heads up on the Rx prescription plan assistance prices.

Those "free" services that ask for $5 to help get you drug assistance are actually doing the same paperwork that you could do on your own (for no cost). Most people, however, are too lazy to take the paperwork to their doctor, or too lazy to ask the doctor to send it in. (It takes time).

But be aware, if you qualify (based on last year's taxes) for free drug assistance, go directly to the manufacturer -- there is no need to go through a third party (that may charge a "$5 processing fee).

You can find out who has drug assistance directly from your doctor, or from the manufacturer (by calling them).

Just a heads up on the Rx prescription plan assistance prices.

Those "free" services that ask for $5 to help get you drug assistance are actually doing the same paperwork that you could do on your own (for no cost). Most people, however, are too lazy to take the paperwork to their doctor, or too lazy to ask the doctor to send it in. (It takes time).

But be aware, if you qualify (based on last year's taxes) for free drug assistance, go directly to the manufacturer -- there is no need to go through a third party (that may charge a "$5 processing fee).

You can find out who has drug assistance directly from your doctor, or from the manufacturer (by calling them).

Very true Jason! RX Outreach doesnt charge you a dime! :) And they don't wanna know nuttin either! Don't have to send them in any previous tax forms or none of that. All they ask for is your Name, Address, Phone, Income, how many people live in the household, your Social Security Number, and of course the prescription for each med you are requesting (with at least 3 months worth, and enough refills for up to a year) Pay for your scripts ... and bam, they send it out to ya .... well if you meet their income limits, which are very good by the way, or so I thought! :) My problem is that I don't work, and havent for a few years, so I have no tax returns or pay stubs to show. I'm not married, so my hubby(YES, we call eachother hubby n wife ... we are, just don't have a peice of paper to say so ;)) so he's not legally responsible for me. Some of the pharmaceutical companies want to know WAY too much info in my opinion! It's NON of their business how much my kids make, or anyone else who's living in my home! It's not THEIR responsibility to take care of MY medical needs! ;) So, that's why I liked RX Outreach so much! Easy, don't ask for more info than they need, nice friendly people, affordable, and quick service ;)

Does anyone know if there is a discounted insulin somewhere? Any web sites or stores that would send you a 90 day supply of insulin (similar ot RX outreach that was discussed here?)

Does anyone know if there is a discounted insulin somewhere? Any web sites or stores that would send you a 90 day supply of insulin (similar ot RX outreach that was discussed here?)

I'm not familiar with "RX outreach", but if you'd like to mail-order insulin, it depends on your state/country's laws and the type of insulin you want to order. Some insulin does not require a prescription (e.g., regular, NPH) in most states.

Hocks.com is just one of many sites that sell insulin on-line. If you have Rx medication, try Walmart.com or drugstore.com -- you just mail your Rx in to them and they'll mail them.

As far as insulin that is discounted, I haven't heard of it. Only free insulin for those who qualify. They don't make it easy because they want to keep it limited to the people who are willing to jump through the hoops and paperwork and who officially qualify.

Oh, I forgot to mention: for prescription patient assistance programs, in order to make sure you really qualify, the insulin (or whatever various drug) will only be delivered to your doctor's office. You then pick it up from the doctor.

This keeps the drug company safe from passing out insulin to everyone and their dog. It also keeps you safe in knowing that it gets stored in the doctor's office after delivery, letting you pick it up at a time that is good for you. It also gives the doctor knowledge that you're on a patient assistance program, and they'll likely give you the discounts that insurance companies are privi to (if your doctor is kind).

Thanks for all the advice on how to get free meds. Luckly I am only on one diabetic med. But I am on 8 meds total. And together they cost $700. Thats what I am panicing over. I have filled out every online form I can find and called every company I can find as well. But with your advice I will call the ones you listed tomorrow and see if there is any new people I can beg for help. My hubby will be working full time by Aug so I only need help to cover meds till then. But it seems like a very long time to wait till then now. :(
But thank you all so much for your support and if you know of anything else please let me know. My email is shannonamorgan@yahoo.com and on yahoo IM shannonamorgan
Hugs
Shannon

Shannon, do check out RX Outreach ... you can look up your meds, download the form and all that online, then fill it out, get your prescriptions from your doctor, and mail it in. When you need refills, just call them (if you have a check card or credit card) and they'll get them sent right out to ya! If they don't have all your meds, check out Needy Meds .... they have a list by brand name of meds, and link to the assitance applications for each med by Brand Name: Brand Name List (http://www.needymeds.com/drug_list.taf) and by Generic Name: Generic Name List (http://www.needymeds.com/generic_list.taf)

Good Luck hun!

Thanks so much again for the info I have found all my meds on the Needy Meds site. SO I am printing up and filling out a million forms now. My only worry is my Dr's in the past have not been that great about filling out paperwork for me. But hopefully if I tell them I am going to be out of meds they will help me out faster!!

I really cant thank you all enough. You all have been so kind and helpful and supportive to me. If there is ever anything I can do to help you please let me know.
Hugs
Shannon :)

You're welcome Shannon!

As for the docs .... tell them, "listen, I dont have insurance anymore, and if I have to pay full price to get these meds, it won't happen, I won't get them because I can't afford them ... are you concerned about my health, do you care?? Keeping me healthy is SUPPOSED to be your job! I'm trying to keep myself healthy, but my finances and lack of insurance are going to make that quite difficult! Please take a few moments from your busy day and help me out here!"

In all reallity, docs don't usually do the paperwork filling out ... thier desk people do it, and they just do the signing where needed ;) So if need be, pester the **** out of them too! LOL

Also, ask them (the docs) about getting samples!! Docs often give out samples to patients without insurance, if they have them! Especially while you're in that waiting period for the forms and stuff!!

Good Luck Shannon!

Right on archimeech,
I wholeheartedly agree. Maybe its because I'm young and medical professionals assume I have no money (which is true), but I always leave the Endo with free loot!

Last time I was there I asked for a meter. He opened up a cabinet and said "Which one do you want?" I chose the UltraSmart but he had EVERYTHING. Then I found out that Animas was giving me 2 more meters with my pump (another UltraSmart and an UltraMini).

Endo always gives me 2 bottles of insulin and when Glucerna came out they sent me home with 2 shopping bags stuffed with shakes and boxes of bars. I needed help carrying it out! :D

For those who don't have insurance- mention it to all your drs. They know how expensive meds are and they'll hook you up. I went 1 year without insurance and it didn't cost me that much more than what I pay now in copays, because I got so many handouts! It never hurts to ask... or beg (and then accept the handouts shamelessly, of course) :smile:

Hey, just for you out there.....ask your family doctor if they don't have the pen and novalog samples and a monitor. I work for a family practice and we get samples of all to hand out all the time. A rep comes by our office and leaves samples and as for the monitors she usually leaves 6 or 7 each visit. The kind we get just hook up to our office computer and we can print out the months record from it for them ...or whenever they come by with it.

Does anyone here know where I can get some free flash meters? I sent them an email, but they will probably only give me a coupon for one. I need at least 3 of them.

Is there any good reason you need three? (e.g., for some sort of donation or something of good cause?) If so, I'm sure that if you call them, they might help out.

However, if it's just to have one in each room of your house, I doubt they'd see it as good enough reason.

I actually have three "Free meter" cards from Abbott for the Freestyle/Freestyle Feredom/Precision Xtra meters just sitting here next to me (inching their way closer and closer to the trashcan).

They require a doctor's prescription for one of those three meters; you just take the prescription and the card in to a pharmacy, and you walk out with a meter. If you can manage to get a doctor to write you three separate prescriptions for each of the cards, contact me, and I'll mail the free "coupons" to you. I don't see myself needing them since it takes work getting a doctor to write a script out for them!

I believe I received them from various dLife mailings.

I just ordered 2 meters from Diabetic Express: FreeStyle Flash Kit (http://www.diabeticexpress.com/content/ProductDetail.aspx?CategoryID=0&SubCategoryID=0&ItemID=01-94). The order went through even though it says they are only free with 100 strips on the product page. Paid the $7.50 for shipping.. we'll see if they send them to me.

Is there any good reason you need three? (e.g., for some sort of donation or something of good cause?) If so, I'm sure that if you call them, they might help out.

However, if it's just to have one in each room of your house, I doubt they'd see it as good enough reason.


I have 3 meters (soon to be 4), all free and all from LifeScan. I keep them all around my house, because I'm a compulsive tester and I don't like to run around looking for a meter each time.

I have found that these companies LOVE to give away free meters, because the more meters people are using, the more strips they sell.

This is the same for Brits. We can get meters free on prescription or, if we want a particular type, just call the company concerned and they will send out a full kit. If you want software, cable etc. just ask when you call and you can get it all free as well.

Heather.

www.simplestartdvd.com

or call 1-866-469-4086

Mods, delete if this is a repeat... :)

I have done the prescription assistance for about 2 years, and if i'm not sure, Lilly usually sends a voucher for Humulin products for you to send to the pharmacy. But make sure you have a prescription for the insulin though because they won't fill it without a prescription. Anyways, i'd always take the voucher and my prescription to Rite Aid. All the other insulin companies will send it to the doc's office. I used to be on Humulin 70/30 so I know how to get that.

Anyways, if you don't have insurance, do like I do....go to the free clinic in your area (it's not really that free anymore, but it'll save you about $80-90 a visit). I usually get free test strips through my doctor because they know that i'm poor (100 at a time)...and i'm on patient assistance too.

The State of Alabama really don't have a good Medicaid program so i'm not eligible for the program. BCBS had a special for uninsured people, but it costs $160 a month and I had to pay a $2000 deductible before anything would be paid for. Plus, since I was already a diabetic, it wouldn't take care of it because it was a "preexisting condition" and I would have to wait a year. So I canceled the insurance in the first month--and $160 was kinda hard to get up without a job each month.

I'm in the process of becoming a teacher and i'll have insurance in a little over a year from now paid for by the state (as long as I get hired) and still I wouldn't have insurance for my diabetes for a year. I would have a question about that because the medicine companies won't let me get free prescriptions while I have insurance (even if it don't pay for the medicine). So that'll be an "out of pocket" expense that's like $100 a bottle that lasts for about 10 days--unless I can get free samples until I get fully insured.

Anyways, free clinics are good while you don't have insurance.

I had some good news today. First off, I got my denial letter from Medicaid (They only would give me coverage if I had children under 19 years old--in which I never had children) and so I can go further in getting some assistance in getting some discounted or free test strips without worry from my doctor. Also, I had been waiting on maybe a certificate from One Touch for the remaining 25 strips that they were supposed to give me when I got my Ultra 2 monitor. I called cs today and they told me they would ship out the remaining 25 strips plus a usb data wire for my monitor. So i'm happy :) right now that i'm temporarily have been helped out.

I just got my 25 strips and my usb cable for my one touch ultra. They shipped pretty quickly knowing that Monday was a holiday.

I don't know if this has been posted before but if someone else has posted about this then I'm sorry. I just wanted to let you all know that I was able to get a free computer cable for my meter the other day for Ascensia Contour. I called them up and told them that I tested alot and that my doctor says that I need to get the computer cord and software for my meter so I can keep better track of my levels and then they told me that it costed like 16 dollars. I told them that I don't have the money and that my home health care delivery place said that if I can't get a cord from them that they will switch me to another brand that does come with the cord since they only carry the ascensia strips and they told me to hold on and that they were gonna switch me over to the promotions department who came on the phone and said that he understood that I needed a free computer cord and started asking me for my info and told me the website to download the software and I'll recieve the cord in 7-10 days. So I figured that I would share with everyone what I did so that maybe it can help out someone else. Thank you so much everyone also for all your help.

This may be covered somewhere here, I am not sure, but I just got a free OneTouich UltraSmart monitor using this: (this is different than the free offer from the same company that offers only the ultra2 or ultra mini)

FREE One Touch Blood Glucose Monitor- Ultra 2, Ultra Smart, or Ultra Mini - GottaDeal.com Forums (http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?p=840644)

I followed the three steps in the post and got confirmation that they were shipping out the meter, free of charge.

I called 18664970158 and was given a choice of an ultra2 or ultra mini as of today Jan 23rd 2008 :D I just told them the monitor I had was years old and did not have one I could currently use right now . and they had me answer some questions and said I would recieve it in 6-8 weeks :) Just FYI if anyone is still looking :)

Sweet deal I just called lifescan after finding my old one touch and they are sending me one fed ex overnight ( I dont have another one to test with) :D YAY I finally get to try a one touch ultrasmart!

Ph FYI TOO I did check into it at the Endo's office and they do have meters and such including the one touch ultra smart ( and I live in podunk) So I'm completely excited by this whole why pay for a meter deal lol I was worried I would have to pay ( not that I would ) 150$ Thats how much the ultrasmart is here. I opted for the one through lifescan but know i can call the endo here to get one too if I need since I will have the one touch 2 from that other promo :D (im all set I have an ultra smart and an ultra 2 as back up)

Now.... If we could only at least lower the price of the