MANAGING DIABETES ON A TIGHT BUDGET
SAVE ON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
- Talk to your care team: Start by reaching out to your diabetes care team. They may be able to prescribe less expensive medications or switch your medications to generic options.
- Look into pharmaceutical company co-pay coupons: Some pharmaceutical websites offer co-pay savings programs or coupons, which can help you save on out-of-pocket costs. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if there are any co-pay coupons available to you.
- Consider patient assistance programs: If you’re uninsured or underinsured, many programs are available that offer free or low-cost medications. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about programs that you may qualify for.
- Check out the American Diabetes Association (ADA): The ADA lists insulin manufacturers who offer programs to help you pay for insulin if you’re uninsured and meet income eligibility requirements.
- Check out RxOutreach: Insurance isn’t required to use this mail-order service, which offers a medication discount program.
- Use the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP): PAP provides free medication to those who qualify. Visit their website for eligibility guidelines and an application.
FIND AFFORDABLE OR FREE GLUCOSE MONITORING SUPPLIES
LOOK TO FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS (FQHC)
These community-based clinics, including STAR Community Health, offer care to uninsured and low-income patients. They may also provide diabetes supplies, such as test strips and lancets, at a reduced cost.
Find Other PA FQHCsCONSIDER COPAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The Patient Advocate Foundation, a national, non-profit organization, offers co-pay assistance programs for diabetes care costs. Call or visit their website for more information.
Explore their resourcesCONTACT GLUCOMETER MANUFACTURERS
Some glucometer manufacturers, such as OneTouch and Accu-Chek, offer free or low-cost glucometers and/or test strips. For details, contact the specific manufacturer.
Learn more about OneTouchLearn more about Accu-Check
CONNECT WITH PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE
This organization provides a list of programs to help people with diabetes who need financial assistance with supplies.
Learn more
MAXIMIZE YOUR GROCERY BUDGET
Good nutrition is a priority for keeping your blood sugar levels in your target range. Use these tips to help you save at the store while enjoying plenty of vegetables, fruits and lean protein in your diet.
- Cook in batches: Search online and you’ll find lots of healthy recipes that don’t require expensive ingredients and make more than enough for one meal. For example, making a big batch of vegetable soup or white bean chicken chili means you can cook once and then either eat leftovers throughout the week or freeze them for another time.
- Purchase store brands: Many store-brand items are the same quality as national brands but cost less. Go-to store-brand items include beans, grains, milk and frozen fruits and veggies. A helpful hint: you can often find store brands on the top and bottom shelves in the grocery store.
- Buy canned or frozen fruit and veggies: Canned and frozen produce often costs less than fresh produce and lasts longer. An added bonus with frozen fruit and veggies is that you can use only as much as you need and pop the rest back in the freezer. Make sure to buy canned fruit that comes in water, not syrup. Also make sure to read the labels on canned items for added sugar or salt, which you’ll want to avoid.
- Skip buying ready-to-eat food: Food that’s already been chopped, pre-cooked, pre-sliced or individually packaged usually costs more than whole food.
- Consider your protein choices: Opt for eggs, canned tuna and chicken thighs, which are often more affordable than beef, pork or chicken breasts.
- Plan ahead: Planning meals, making a shopping list and then sticking to it when you’re in the store helps you avoid buying food that you don’t need, like snacks—saving you money and helping you follow a healthy diet.
USE COMMUNITY-BASED RESOURCES
Take advantage of local organizations found right in your neighborhood.
STAR COMMUNITY HEALTH
As an FHQC, Star Community Health has resources to help you navigate access to medication and pharmacist support.
Visit us todayUNITED WAY OF THE GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY
Visit the United Way’s diabetes resources, listed on their “Resources for Older Adults” web page.
Explore their resourcesThe ADA
The ADA can also help you find resources close to home.
Find local resources near youTAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Being good to your body can go a long way toward keeping your blood sugar levels in check—so you stay as healthy as possible.
- Make nutritious food choices: The type of food you eat, how much you eat and the types of food you combine into meals and snacks can all affect your blood sugar levels.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise helps keep your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar under control. You don’t need a gym membership or special equipment to exercise; a brisk walk 30 minutes a day is a great aerobic workout.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking makes it harder to control your blood sugar. It also increases the risk of diabetes complications including heart disease and stroke.
- Take special care of your feet: Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to foot problems, which is why taking care of your feet is so important. Make sure you wash your feet every day and completely dry them (even between your toes). Carefully trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Always wear shoes to avoid cuts and scrapes, and make sure your shoes aren’t too tight or too loose, which can cause blisters.
ADVOCATE FOR YOUR HEALTH
Being your own health advocate means taking more control of your health care experience by making sure your needs are heard by your health care team. Your health care team can better help you, if you:
- Listen to your body: Watch for changes in your health. If you experience a change, reach out to your care provider to let them know about it.
- Come prepared. Before every health care visit, write down a list of your questions and concerns, then bring the list along to your appointment so you can discuss your concerns with your care provider.
- Ask questions. Always let your health care provider know if you don’t understand something and ask them to explain it in a simple way.