[DeusXM]

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 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.

[DeusXM]

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.

[ShannonM]

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

[JasonJayhawk]

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.

[Misty8723]

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/

[ladytaz]

Shannon, there is also Rx Outreach Patient Assistance Program for Discount Prescription Drugs . 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!

[JasonJayhawk]

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).

[ladytaz]

Originally Posted by JasonJayhawk

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

[irina140]

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?)

[JasonJayhawk]

Originally Posted by irina140

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).

[ShannonM]

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

[ladytaz]

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 and by Generic Name: Generic Name List

Good Luck hun!

[ShannonM]

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

[ladytaz]

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!

[ClaireZk]

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!

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)