Test Strips
 

Just went on medicare on the 1st of March, I have a.b.d.f. picked up my scripts but the medicare will not pay for strips, they paid for insulin. any suggestions. no testing supplies at all.

Sorry, not much help from me, as I am not familiar with this type situation. You could read through the "Diabetes On A Budget" Section on this website. I have heard that Walmart has a meter and the strips, for it, are very reasonable. Good luck, I hope that the information helps.

Sometimes for Medicare to cover supplies the scripts have to be written a certain way. Call them and ask.

Diabetic test strips
 

I agree you should call Medicare. I'm on Medicare. My local pharmacy and local big-name pharmacy, couldn't get it right, nor could my health insurance, PrimeMail / Blue Shield. Then I remembered a letter from Walgreens. They enrolled me over the phone, they call me when I'm due to get a renewed order of strips, and they're very very polite.

So call your doctor for a prescription (He/she will prescribe how many times you're supposed to test. Then work with Medicare(800-633-4227) The test strips and meter are diagnostic tools, and, supposedly, those are provided under Medicare (maybe yes and maybe no). Record what they say, because it's sometimes a bunch of steps.

Then, if you have insurance, talk to them. Make sure you have all their numbers (your subscriber ID, etc.). Then it's time to call Walgreens.

When you talk with Walgreens (888-727-8265—or they'll refer you onward—be patient!) (I think other pharmacies must have caught on by now), they'll ask for your medical info, Medicare number, etc. Don't be discouraged, and give yourself time in this process, and good luck. (I am not an employee of the company or any related company.)

I've been diagnosed since 1998. It's a long story, from Type 2 to Type 1 and somewhere in between, Type 1.5 / LADA, which I don't see discussed here on Glucose Buddy, but I've just enrolled.

Now, go get some exercise before you have to sit for a long time getting all this worked out, because that's a very important part of anyone's regimen, and good luck.

Type 1.5

I couldn't agree more. Good luck with your control and management.

I have used the "Walmart" meter before. It is sold under the brand name Side-Kick. It looks like an old fashion 35mm film container with the meter in the top. There are 50 strips in the container and it sells for about $20.00. It is very reliable and cost effective.

Here is a link to the product:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/All-in-One...ystem/10818578