Diabetes Without Insurance: Can We Do Something?
Filed in archive News on May 8, 2006
Diabetes is a difficult enough condition to deal with without having to agonize over how to pay for crucial medication and testing devices. But that's the dilemma thousands of uninsured Americans face every day. America has one of the worst health care systems in the world, when viewed from the aspect of patient care. How ridiculous is it for life and death to be a matter of how much money you have? What about those citizens who simply cannot afford adequate health care?
I've been in this exact same situation myself, and know how horrible it can be. I don't think I've ever seen the dilemma described better than in this article:
Nobody ever wants diabetes, and nobody wants to gamble without health insurance. When these two unwanted ills collide, they create a vicious vortex of misery that fosters an embarrassing health disparity in a society "dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal."
People with diabetes but without insurance get sicker, lose the ability to work, and die younger than their insured counterparts, despite the fact that effective measures are widely available. Premature heart disease, strokes, amputations, blindness and kidney failure do not have to happen, but they do, every day, right here.
This week is 'Cover the Uninsured Week,' a matter which needs everyone's attention. Please read this thought-proving article and consider what you can do to help. Are you or a loved one dealing with diabetes without health insurance? How do you cope?
(Photo Source: Travel Health Insurance)
Tags: diabetes health
Vote for Diabetes Without Insurance: Can We Do Something?:
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Rating: 9.45 out of 33 vote(s) cast.
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Response from:
Grayling
(03/10/07 1:14am)
Im without insurance and it seems it so hard to find some i can afford if i can afford
Response from:
joanna
(07/09/07 12:11pm)
I buy my supplies at american diabetes wholesale, they're inexpensive and efficient.
Response from:
No Medical Life Insurance
(10/15/07 8:16am)
I just can't believe what I am reading... You are so right, being a diabetic is already hard enough, but having no insurance is not admissible in our society. That makes me think about how bad health system really works.
Response from:
Tony Brewster - UK
(11/07/07 1:11pm)
I feel so sorry for you guys, i met my american wife online and met her in louisiana and bought her back to the UK with me, over here everything is free. every month i get about 3 months worth of insulin which i have taken for granted so i can eat what i want. Your healthcare sucks, i always wanted to move to USA with my wife, but if i have to pay for stuff which should be free i wont bother. you should immigrate to england
Response from:
Gloria
(11/12/07 3:04am)
yeah, i truly envy countries with free healthcare.
Response from:
Lorance Washington Sr.
(02/13/08 9:37am)
Don't have insurance 30 years old as of Febuary 11. I have been having issues with my leggs bothering me and 4 yrs ago I had heart attack.
Response from:
Adriana Tejeda
(02/17/08 10:29am)
I am the owner of a new diabetic supply company in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Most of our patient are un-insured and join our program DiabeticOne For All were they receive a free meter, free lancets (100) and strips (50) for only $25. We mail the supplies to you at no cost. My son is a diabetic and we know very well how expensive this chronic decease is.
Response from:
Debbie-Reno
(02/22/08 12:55pm)
I am 50 years old and we lost our insurance in November as my husband lost his job. Without him working we have no money for the cobra insurance. I have diabetic and take 4 shots a day. I also am on o2 and have a pacemaker. i get my pills for $4.00 each from Walmart (this has saved my life) but am doing without my shots and strips as I can not afford them. I am on disability and have another year to go before I qualify for medicare (everyone must wait 2 years before you can get it). With my small ssd ck and we run a trailer park for free rent.. this cuts us off of getting assisance of any kind. We are in the group that gets too much for assistance and not enough to live on. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Right now my levels are running between 150 and 250. any help would be appreciated. thank you
Response from:
Truano
(03/16/08 10:48pm)
My husband has diabetes, and we have no health care. He gets sick and well we just wait and hope he gets though it. Our daughter just turned 2 and I am afraid he won't be around for her, and of course it will be sooner than later because of the lack of health care in California. Does anyone care? Not anyone that can make a difference. No one can help this is such a horrible feeling.
Response from:
William
(09/11/08 5:41am)
This is why people need to get out and vote. All these people making fun of Obama. Obama offers a national health care program. McSame says it needs to remain the same. John McCain says we have the best health care system in the world? Thats because he has free medical because he is the senator of Arizona. Everyone deserves free health care and all they have to do is quit sending our money oversees and start worrying about our own. Don't vote for a Republican this election and see how we get socialized medical care! We pay the same taxes as they do in Canada. They have free medical. Wake up America! Vote Obama
Response from:
TAMIKA MITCHEM
(10/13/08 10:44am)
The health care situation in country is very sad these days. My grandma has diabetes and for a long time she did not qualify for insurance. I began to work for Ameriplan and they offer a discount diabetic program. She was able to save about 50%. Not sure if this will help anyone but here is the website http://www.usdiabeticplan.com
you can also call 1-888-670-0936
you can also call 1-888-670-0936
Response from:
Ajlouny
(01/18/09 8:04pm)
"I buy my supplies at american diabetes wholesale, they're inexpensive and efficient."
This is some good advice.
This is some good advice.
Response from:
Brenda
(05/01/09 8:39am)
i have diabetes and i can't afford to pay for the medicine and i don't have a job , but i do get unemployment,but not enough to pay bill and get to the doctor to get the treatment i need,is there any help out there.
Response from:
jacki
(05/27/09 5:56pm)
I feel real sorry for these serious health issues of people without insurance. I am on this sight to get help for my diabetic boyfriend as well. But, I don't understand why people think we are entitled to "free health care". Where does this sense of entitlement come from. Where has the American spitit, I can do it attitude gone?
Response from:
lloyd
(06/05/09 12:13pm)
well i am 53 yrs of age and on ssd. i do not recieve enough per month to get insulin and all meds needed for my daibetes. i must wait for a total of two years to get medicare benefits. where can i go for some help? i tried to get medicade and was told that i did not qualify due to my assets and the amount of my ssd check. my wife is also not able to work due to congestive heart condition. we just ask for some kind of help. we dont whant every thing free. just have worked all my life and pais taxws as we should and now we need some help and can not get any from our local or county resources. if we sell any of our assets we then loose our income that ssd check will be stopped untill the money is spent. can any one tell us how we can get help with medacine that we both need and can not afford to purchase. we are both diabetics and on medacine for this.thx to any help.
Response from:
Doctor Reviews
(07/23/09 10:52am)
I have a friend with diabetes and as a consultant, he cannot get health insurance because of his diabetes. He has to pay his medical costs out-of-pocket.
Response from:
chrystal
(07/30/09 3:18pm)
i have had diabetes now for almost 3 years and just ran out of health insurance in 08. i am physically disabled and a lil mentally. the medicaid said i dont qualify for their insurance cause i get a annuity every month. and i dont know what to do for health care im still seeing a doctor but cant get my blood work done.
Response from:
Pat
(08/01/09 5:08pm)
My son has diabetes with severe neuropathy and no health insurance. His health is very bad and he is only 21. I feel helpless and so does he. We need help to get him the proper care he needs.
Response from:
Karen
(09/23/09 8:21am)
I am in California and am looking for the best priced humalog and lantis. Any input on the canada online ordering?
Response from:
June
(10/21/09 2:46pm)
I lost my insurance when I lost my job. I use http://www.simplefill.com
to get my medecine for both my diabetes and depression.
Simplefill has no application fee and help you get all of your prescriptions for free. They do charge $65 a month but only if they can save you money. I highly recommend trying them out.
to get my medecine for both my diabetes and depression.
Simplefill has no application fee and help you get all of your prescriptions for free. They do charge $65 a month but only if they can save you money. I highly recommend trying them out.
Response from:
Tiffany
(10/27/09 10:31pm)
I am 21 years old, I have diabetes which led to pcos, so therefore i am infertile, i had two miscarriages and am unable to have children. My diabetes already costs enough, and im not even being seen by the doctor as i should because i simply cannot afford it. i cannot affort any procedures for infertility, and i also cannot afford insurance. I was on depression medecine three months ago and had to stop because it was almost $200 and thats at walmart!!! Its really unbelievable and sad that americans have to live by a "pay or so-be-it" rule.
Response from:
cathy
(11/12/09 1:42am)
My name is Cathy and my husband is suffering the same way . NO Health Insurance.He is only 53 yrs. old. Please we need help!
Response from:
Leah
(12/15/09 7:27pm)
Diabetic and not able to afford the outrageous insurance fees. Blue cross and blue shield quoted me around 750 per month just for me and the state would insure me for around 350 a month. You have to be a zillionaire to afford insurance as a diabetic. Unfortunately, we are no where near millionaire status. So, I'm doing without insurance. I also have asthma. I guess if my bills get to be too much I'll just file bankruptcy. I know I will die sooner than if I had access to proper healthcare but we all WILL die someday. I'll just die before my time.
Response from:
tom
(01/09/10 5:21pm)
I'm 52 years old and I have type 2 diabetes, I have recently lost my job and I no longer have insurance. I was recently removed from avandia which i found out was a suger reducer. I am running out of funding for my diadetes supplies, I am also trying to figure out what I can do to recive help with supplies if any one could possible assist me it would be greatly appricated
( God Bless)
( God Bless)
Response from:
Kenny
(01/09/10 5:35pm)
My name is Kenny and I'm 20yrs old I have been out on my own since i turned 18 unfortinatly my dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and he also has glicoma (hardening of the eyeball) he recently has lost his job and his health insurance. My mom is paying all of the bills, she is also trying to keep up with his diabetes but is unable to do so, so I decided to move back in with my parents to help out my mom. I'm not quite sure what all I can do to help them out execpt pay there bills so my mom can halfway afford the medication that he needs. If any one could help my family it would be greatly appricated. I dont know where else i can turn for help I have even tryed to put insurance on my family and was denied because my dad is diabetic, but if anyone has any suggestions to what I can do please let me know.
Response from:
Tina
(03/11/10 8:14am)
My sister is diabetic. She had a fire a year ago and loss everyhting. Her husband loss his job, and now they have no insurance. She has tried and tried to get help and nothing. I am so FRUSTRATED (at the least) for the American Diabetes Association. I have walked years to help raise money for them and they turned their backs on us. My sister was rushed to the hospital last night with pain that she was doubled over. They sent her home adn treated her differently because she had no insurance. Let's not forget she worked for years adn paid into the system. Now, she needs the system and what...NO HELP!!! She is giving up at the age of 43. Is there anyone that can help her with her diabetes. We are in PA. PLEASE, I am begging for help.
Response from:
Heather
(04/24/10 12:51pm)
Joanna thanks for that website! It doesn't have my insulin, but it has my syringes and it saved me $35.00!!! Im in the same situation, the state just dropped funding to my insurance, so they dropped me. I'm a student and I work but I don't work enough hours to get insurance. I have no idea what to even do anymore! I applied for public aide and still haven't heard anything back. I can't buy my insulin off of the shelf either, my humalog has to be prescribed. So, I have no clue what I'm going to do after I run out of refills?
Response from:
Faith87
(04/25/10 10:41am)
Jacki - Health care is a privilege I agree. But that's not the problem...When you have no health insurance with a pre-existing condition you are virtually unable to get coverage. So does that mean those who are sick deserve to go without it and die? How can we fix that.
Response from:
Alan in Alabama
(08/09/10 9:07pm)
My 29 year old Daughter has no insurance and is scheduled to have her foot amputated tomorrow morning (8-10-10). We don't have a clue what to do. She was turned down for social security over a year ago after doctors told her she needed to stay off her foot totally. Plus she was told today she is in the first stage of kidney failure. Her 30th birday is this Sunday. I wonder how many more she will see?
Response from:
david
(08/23/10 12:56pm)
My fiance uses an insulin pump. she is almost out of her supplies for the site she places the catheter into her skin by her tummy. Are there any websites or companies that she can get these supplies either through a freecycle type site or a company that will help? We are getting desperate and her state insurance doeasn't cover them. Please contact daburnie61156 if you can help at yahoo email
Response from:
maria
(08/27/10 12:50pm)
diabetic not insurence
Response from:
Fran
(09/23/10 4:37pm)
Hello all I have diabetes and no insurance and eating eggs and salad but sugars are 179 to 200 and Im just wondering WHERE to get Help today I started crying because I cant control my sugars I feel very sick and my moods are horrible Metformin makes me sick and glyburide makes me gain a pound a day HELP
Response from:
Jaineen
(10/07/10 2:21pm)
Hello all, I have type 1 diabetes, I'm 35. My employment & insurance ended Nov. '09 and I was fortunate to obtain medicaid for my son and myself. I recently had to renew and was denied coverage for myself; thankfully my 11 year old will be covered. I recalled Montel Williams doing a show concerning free drug coverage for persons in our situation called "partnership for prescription assistance; www.pparx.org" I gave some info. about myself and my insulin meds. I just need to have a physician sign off on my application and wait for an approval. Hopefully it goes in my favor. If not I plan to contact www.simplefill.com as June mentioned. Hopefully this helps for some, if not all. GOD BLESS
Response from:
Robyn
(10/12/10 4:59pm)
I've been diabetic for 6 years. We lost our health insurance a year ago. I cant afford my test strips, and have been having chest pains off and on for 2 months. I dont want to go to the hospital as I already owe them over $20,000. My son is terminally ill and until he was diagnosed we couldnt get insurance for him. So we owe hospital bills for him. I'm 43, and just resigning myself to the fact that I'll die sooner than planned and in alot of debt. I cant find anyone to help me, and the local clinics are so booked that for heart problems I cant get in for over 2 months.
Response from:
MAry
(10/22/10 11:09am)
My dad is 48 and is a diabetic, he could not afford health insurance and has not been to a dr in about yrs..he has also not been able to get his medicine due to the lack of insurance, he just lost his job. The casino closed with no warning to their employees. He is too young to Qualify for medicare. He won't qualify for medicaid also. Any suggestion on what he can do.
Response from:
Diana
(12/01/10 10:44am)
I can soley agree with all on this forum, I too myself have type 1 diabetes and have No medical insurance, I stress enough over not having control due to the fact that some months I go without medication because I can not afford my insulin. Something has to be done otherwise I am not going to live long enough to see my 2 and 1/2 year old grandson go to kindergarten. Thank you for taking the time out to read this. Hopefully someone out there may have some kind of information on to where affordable health insurance could be found.
Response from:
Orion
(01/14/11 10:50pm)
Frankly, this country needs to move out of the damned stone age. We all need to ask ourselves - "Is it really okay for doctors, medical / pharmaceutical corporations, or anyone for that matter to profit off of the sickness, pain, and even the death of our citizens?" I'd think the answer is pretty obvious.
Response from:
Dr Rajesh Jain
(02/10/11 7:24am)
I am Dr Rajesh Jain,MD physician working at Jain hospital in india and helping Providing cheap medicine for Diabetes patients around the world who do not have unsurance and cannot afford costly medicine in USA and other countries,I also provide them with online consultancy which is free to unable them continue there Medication..Please contact me at my Email:jainhospitals@gmail.com we provide all drugs for Diabetes Patients with all type of comorbid conditions also
Response from:
Gloria
(02/22/11 3:13am)
What a shame we live in the USA and unable to get help in our time of need. I'm afraid and not sure what to do. I'm unemployed at this time like alot of people and normally able to pay my way but not at this time. Has anyone contacted Dr Jain in India? He posted above
Response from:
Mary
(02/26/11 6:01am)
I'm a registered dietitian and work with diabetics. Novo nordisk .. The makers of novolog have a patient assistance program providing free assistance for 90
days if you qualify.. I think you can requalify after 90 days but I'm not sure. Call 866-310-7549 or look up on company website. Requires proof of income. Walmart has meds for a fair price.
days if you qualify.. I think you can requalify after 90 days but I'm not sure. Call 866-310-7549 or look up on company website. Requires proof of income. Walmart has meds for a fair price.
Response from:
Harold
(03/24/11 11:59pm)
God help- i am unemployed- no health insurance. I have early onset (self diagnosed)- I am almost positive. I haven't slept a wink since I lost my job end of Dec..I feel my feet tightening up - they will be the first things to go..
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