4 essential tips to find free glucose meters
For diabetics, it is essential to regularly keep track of their blood sugar levels. Checking blood glucose levels helps in controlling diabetes. This also helps to avoid the complications of diabetes such as neuropathy, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, skin problems, and foot damage. It is recommended that a person with diabetes should go through a complete blood test at least twice to thrice a year. However, regular blood sugar tests can be done at home with glucose meters.
Although many blood glucose meters are affordable, they might make a dent in your pocket. If you are looking for free glucose meters, here are a few tips to help you find glucose meters free of cost:
- The first thing to do is to ask your doctor regarding the recommended brands of glucose meters. Doctors usually know which brands are commonly used by patients and which brands are popular due to their quality and price. Your doctor will know which glucose meters are the most affordable.
- Once you have the list from your doctor, contact your insurance company. Ask them which brands recommended by your doctor are covered by insurance. Many insurance companies reimburse the total cost of glucose meters and test strips. However, it might happen that you can get a free glucose meter which is not approved by the insurance company. In such cases, you might have to pay out of your own pocket for test strips and other supplies that you might require in the future.
- Many insurance companies also have a list of approved pharmacies. You may get free glucose meters from these pharmacies, or the cost will be reimbursed by your insurance. Also, many mail-order pharmacies offer free glucose meters to their customers along with supplying test strips for 90 days.
- Check the websites of popular glucose meter brands. Many offer free glucose meters on trial basis based on certain qualifying parameters. The parameters may include for how long you had diabetes, type of diabetes, whether you have used glucose meters before, and the brand of glucose meter you have used. If you apply for free glucose meters this way, ensure that you read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid any additional out-of-pocket expenses.