looking for help - no insurance, need meds
I'm type 1 diabetic, went to my doctor yesterday and found out my A1C test was 13.4, which is very bad. I'm out of a job, and have no health insurance. I told the doctor that I'm using expired insulin (again, very bad), and she didn't have any samples to give me, and I dont have enough money to pick up a prescription for new insulin.
Does anyone have any tips/advice for me? does any pharmacy sell insulin that doesnt require a prescription at a low price that could help me out until I get back on my feet?
I currently use novolog and levemir insulin. and live in Missouri, if it helps. I'm struggling right now and reaching out to you guys for answers and help. Thanks for any responses.
Add your reply
44 replies
Contact each pharmacy company directly and they will send you a form to take to your doctor if your income is under a certain limit. They might even send your prescriptions to you at a very low cost. I don't know what state you live in, but I would apply for Medicaid.
I have insurance but it dont cover very much for meds only 50.00 a month and my insulin is almost 300.00 a month my Dr has been giving me samples because I cant afford it
First, get a job. Second, since affordable health care is not a right but an option here in the U.S.A., it is important that you write to Pharmacy companies while looking for work and see what kind of temporary subsidy they have available. Remember diet and exercise is MOST important, both of which I am undisciplined, but I chose life over death or incapacitation. Strict adherence to a rigorous exercise program and a rigid diet can do almost as much as insulin supplements. Good luck to ya. Been there.
You have no idea about being a type 1 diabetic… You can exercise all you want and eat right and it doesn't change a thing. If you are type one and don't have the meds you die…
Your reply - "first get a job"" seems to be insensitive. Finding employment isn't easy these days.
Not insensitive at all. If a person wants to work they can. "This economy," as bad as it is, always allows for someone wanting to work, to do so. Entitlements and subsidies are killing this nation. I can go on about my success story, three jobs, full time student, starting at the bottom and working my way up, etc., etc., and with medications that about kept me broke, but I expected nothing free from society and was determined to take responsibility for myself and my family. I know, you've heard it before, but I had no special advantage, and am tired of people complaining they're victims. Some people really do need help, but to give up if you are able, or blame the economy is a cop out. Today, I take two diabetes medication that have increased in cost 60%, and that take a huge bite out of our financial plan, but I do what I can and keep the faith.
Get a job! That is easier said than done in this economy!
Jobs are out there if you're willing to work. If you are doing SOMETHING instead of sitting around acting like a victim, and people do fall on hard times, then you make a victim of yourself. If you do something, anything, then whatever subsidies are out there sometimes are needed. I live in a rather resource-poor state, but there are jobs out there. If you are above being productive by doing something menial, then I have little sympathy for you. If you are willing to trust in God and take whatever comes along and need assistance, then I admire you and have no problem that my tax dollars are going to help out. Anyone can pull themselves out of a bad situation if they TRY and are persistent.
I just saw on the back of a bus that there is help at Diabetes Partnership. It is specifically for people with diabetes who have no insurance. The phone number is either 2165980800or 216 5981800. I think you can probably go online and just type in Diabetes Partnership. Hope it helps.
hi kevin, i myself don't have a job and i was on lantus, 300.00 monthly which i couldn't afford, and i found at walmart you can purchas humlin 70/30 insulin which is only 25.00 for a vile, it is not the right insulin for me right know, but i have to make do with what is available to me. hope you can get some and make it work for you good luck. chas
Hello'
We are a free clinic,
I volunteer at a free clinic. we are open only on sundays. Here you can get what you need X-rays,gyn, bloodwork, see a Dr.
Dr.'s volunteer their time to the community to see peoples. They will help you with your med's and there are alot of ways( drug companys, stores, samples, Walmart meds 4.00's) we see alot of diabetics.
Don't give up, Look, Listen, Speak ,Call around to where volunteers in your area volunteer ask them? If they know of any, Call hospital's ask them, We are out here!!!!!
Check what's in your area, or Call the Dr's in your area or nearby area's. ' Google ' it.
If there isn't one your area go out of your county-line. There are free clinic's out there you may have to put the word out you're looking for one.
Call you local library ask them, call your local TV station ask if they can help find one, you would not believe what they will do to help someone in need??? if they say no go to someone else. Don't stop there, Be the voice that will get the word out . we want to help.
Peace, Good Luck Have a Bless Day,
Apart from meds, you need to be careful about your diet. In the event of limited funds, eating well is a challenge. try to eat small meals several times each day rather than one big one, that really helps getting the A1c back to a lower level. i am struggling with mine too, so I understand. Mine is not a medication issue, but a diet issue. hang in there, and hope things will get better soon.
Hi, Kevin. I know what you mean about no insurance and no job, I have only just gotten health insurance, first in over a year. I checked my state sites and found a really great price per month for insurance that is offered for the next 3 years through the state government under Mr. Obama's health bill. It is really great, not run by the government but by an individual ccompany. It is for those people with certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD, R/A, etc. I don't know if it differs from state to state but you might want to look into it. If you can get it the great thing is that there is no copay on prescriptions, you get them mail order and you don't pay a penny for the generics. Give it a try and let me know . I will be interested to find out what the story in Missouri is. Good luck with trying, i will have my fingers and toes crossed for you and I'll keep you in my prayers.
you didn't specify where to get ur insurance?
Congratulations on being so resourceful. Been there, and it can get pretty discouraging. Pelosi Care does not offer insurance, but requires you have it. There are indeed good companies out there that can offer fairly reasonable premiums and decent coverage. There is now a counterpart to AARP for us older folks that appears promising. I just had to change insurance, and the co-pay for my Levemir and Humalog has increased by 60% since there is no generic, but the Lord provides. The real solution is for insurance companies to compete across state lines to lower prices and policies.
Go to this site foundationdiabetic.com or call them at 1-888-482-3911, maybe they can help you.
l too have no insurance. I go tol a clinic, Partnering for health. In our state, PA, we need to get a denial from welfare and show income tax returns. I have been going for years. I would probably bevery sick or dead by now if not for them. I got all the right tests. I found out I have Barretts disease, a polyp, and diabetes.
I hope you find one, they're great!
Oh, I forgot. They sign you up for all the free perscriptions from all the drug makers. I get all my meds for free and a couple I only pay $4.00 at my pharmacy.
It's shameful what these insurance companies put 'us' through and some of the politicians who don't walk in our shoes don't understand.
I have a free drug card thar will give you up to 90% off on drugs let me know if you want it and I will send it to you.
does have a program called patients assistance program? when i lost my job and needed help they helped out. i have to fill about some paper work. but it was well worth it to give it a try. i was a new patient to this clinic. so if theres any program i would give it a try.hope this helps you out.
I appreciate your situation…Health Departments in some areas can help, Humulin R [Regular] and Humulin N [NPH] are sold over the counter without a Rx. Costly though between 45 and 65 dollars per vial. I would look at freemedicineprogram.org/media.html or www.scbn.org/
I also know most major drug companies have programs…http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com and many more. good luck finding the help you deserve. my best to you
I get all my medicines for free through the AstraZeneca patient assistance program & through Johnson & Johnson. My meds come in the mail.
http://www.access2wellness.com
Since the government subisdies have nearly bankrupted America, assistance will be temporary and soon be unavailable . Health co-ops seem to be promising for those working yet still earning too little for the high cost of insulin. Levimer and Humilog have just gone up 60% since Pelosi Care went into effect. I have a good job and good insurance, and still struggle with the high cost of insulin. The best I know is to keep advocating for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and demand that insurance companies compete across state lines, and that co-ops and exchanges be further developed. Understandble that pharmaceutical research is expensive, and comapnies need to recoup their investments, but some of the drugs out there, like manufactured insulin, need not be out of reach for people struggling to stay alive.
Hope my replies I have posted here will get you some help if they do let me know. God Bless you.
Have you tried your local health department? I know here in KY they help people with prescriptions. Also the welfare helps people or your local community action has programs you might be able to get help through.
Free Actos
Takeda Pharmaceuticals puts out Actos, the only medication that is also for people with Type 1 diabetes as well as Type 2 diabetes. The medications that are available under this program are ACTOplus met®, ACTOS®, AMITIZA®, duetact®, and Rozerem™. The patients will have to show need and have a prescription for the medication from their doctor. You can get more information direct from Takeda’s Contact Information.
Takeda Patient Assistance Program
c/o SDS - PAP - TAK Customer Service
PO Box 66552
St. Louis, MO 63166
1-(800) 830-9159 (phone)
1-(800) 497-0928 (fax)
Read more at Suite101: How to Get Free Insulin and Diabetes Medications: Do You Qualify for No-Cost Diabetic Supplies? | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/getting-free-...
Lilly Cares Free Insulin
This program ships out four month’s worth of insulin at a time, and the registration is good for a year at a time. This means only once a year where the patient will have to fill out the paperwork to apply. There are specific income requirements to this program, and the link will go straight to the sign up form. Medications that are available with the Lilly Cares Insulin Program are Glucagon for Injection,Humalog® (insulin lispro injection, [rDNA origin]) , Humalog® Mix50/50™ (50% insulin lispro protamine suspension, 50% insulin lispro injection [rDNA origin]), Humalog® Mix75/25™ (75% insulin lispro protamine suspension, 25% insulin lispro injection [rDNA origin]) , Humulin® 50/50 (50% human insulin isophane suspension, 50% human insulin injection [rDNA origin]) ,Humulin® 70/30 (70% human insulin isophane suspension, 30% human insulin injection [rDNA origin]) , Humulin N® (nph human insulin [rDNA origin] isophane suspension) , and Humulin R® (regular insulin human injection, USP [rDNA Origin]).
Read This Next
Weight Gain From Diabetes Medications
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Be patient and diligent, reading all the terms of service to the programs. Most of these require a low income and that you not already have insurance or be on a state funded program. The free humalog voucher is a little less stringent in the requirements and most will be able to apply for that one. Insulin and diabetes medications are very costly, thankfully there are those programs out there that can help.
great information
Prescription Drugs and Medical Supplies
Health care providers may be able to assist people who need help paying for their medicines and supplies by directing them to local programs or even providing free samples.
A free nylon filament-similar to a bristle on a hairbrush-is available to check feet for nerve damage. The filament, with instructions for use, can be obtained by calling 1-888-ASK-HRSA (1-888-275-4772) or by accessing www.hrsa.gov/leap.
Prescription drug coverage for those eligible for Medicare is available through Medicare's Prescription Drug Plans and many Medicare Advantage Plans. More information is available at the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.
Drug companies that sell insulin or diabetes medications usually have patient assistance programs. Such programs are available only through a physician. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and its member companies sponsor an interactive website with information about drug assistance programs at www.PPARx.org Exit Disclaimer image.
Also, because programs for the homeless sometimes provide aid, people can contact a local shelter for more information about how to obtain free medications and medical supplies. The number of the nearest shelter may be listed in the phone book under Human Service Organizations or Social Service Organizations.
That's really great :)
Thanks I tried to find help I know how rough things are in the world and getting rougher
Health Insurance for Those Not Eligible for Medicare or Medicaid
People who are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid may be able to purchase private health insurance. Many insurers consider diabetes that has already been diagnosed a pre-existing condition, so finding coverage may be difficult for people with diabetes. Insurance companies often have a specific waiting period during which they do not cover diabetes-related expenses for new enrollees, although they will cover other medical expenses that arise during this time.
Certain state and federal laws may help. Many states now require insurance companies to cover diabetes supplies and education. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), passed by Congress in 1996, limits insurance companies from denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Information about HIPAA is available at www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/portabilit....
More information about these laws is available from each state's insurance regulatory office. Some state offices may be called the state insurance department or commission. This office can also help identify an insurance company that offers individual coverage. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' website, www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm Exit Disclaimer image, provides a membership list with contact information and a link to the website for each state's insurance regulatory office.
The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute offers consumer guides on health insurance topics, including guides for each state about getting and keeping health insurance. The guides are available at www.healthinsuranceinfo.net Exit Disclaimer image
This past January my private health insurance went up $100 per month. I tried to find another insurance company but they said they do not take Diabetics (only checked one) but once declined I could apply for Acess (not correct abbrev.) but anyway it is a state health care program. Decided to stay with my current healthcare insurance, but with rising cost of other necessities, may have to go to Acess. Thank you so much for the info you have posted.
There are free organizations that supply discount drug cards , no question , no cost just sign up and they will send you a 75% discount card. Better than 0% HUH ? Below are the links.
http://www.needymeds.org/
http://www.togetherrxaccess.com/?gclid=CL70la...;
http://www.rxassist.org/patients/default.cfm
Hope these help !
God bless. Shane
Here's one other I found - http://www.pparx.org/
http://www.pparx.org/en/prescription_assistan...
Along with the 75% off you can use the $25 off saving card from Levemire web sight also.
http://www.myflexpen.com/Registration/SaveTod...
Also check out www.yourrxdiscounts.com
…they have coupons to save you up to 75% on your prescriptions.
I also found a website for Levemir: www.levemir-us.com. It says if you need assistance with prescription drug costs, help may be available. Visit this website:
pparx.org or call 1-888-4PPA-NOW
Just found a website for: Missouri Department of Social Services…just type in that title and it will bring the website up. Has Health Care section. Hope this will help.
Many of the drug companies will actually give you meds when you can't afford it yourself. Your doctor may have some information about that.
you may also check with local churches they will pay for medications you need and have to have
You might apply for ACESS to see if they will help you…Good Luck to you!
Some Pharmaceutical companies also help people who can't afford their medications.
how des one do that?
Hello
What typ of meeter do you have ?
You can try this sit they have helped others
http://www.needymeds.org/
Harlen
I live in Tn and have no health insurance so I buy my insulin from Wal-Mart with no prescription. The insulin I'm on is $25 a bottle. Also if you have a health department they usually can help you with your meds.
Hi Kehi7,
Sorry to hear about your predicament. I live in Virginia and unemployed and low income people can get free or greatly reduced meds. There's nothing like that in Missouri? Also, have you tried going through Social Services? They should be able to help but it can be time consuming. One last thought is The American Red Cross. They help with everything else, maybe they can help you or at least put you in touch with someone who can.
Howdy Kevin
There's been a lot of discussion abour help for meds. I searched for the word help in the discussions and came up with this: http://www.diabeticconnect.com/discussions?qu... You'll need to sort through these results to find what most closely fits your needs as it simply searches for the term help whenever it is in the title or main discussion. Happy hunting!