Diabetes Coupons & Discount Diabetic Supplies

FAQs about the cost of diabetes

How much does diabetes cost per month?

The cost of diabetes care per person is $13,902, according to the American Diabetes Association’s latest report. This means the average cost of diabetes per month is $1,158. 

What is the average cost of diabetes medications?

According to a SingleCare survey, more than half of respondents reported that they pay out of pocket for at least some of their diabetes care. The cost of diabetes medication without insurance varies widely, from about $13 to $1,800 per month, depending on the type of medication and the dose required. 

Here are some approximate costs of diabetes medications without insurance by drug class:

• Biguanide prices can range from $165 per 30-day supply of generic metformin to $805 per 30-day supply of brand-name Synjardy.

• Insulin prices can range from $165 per 30-day supply of generic insulin lispro to $568 per 30-day supply of brand-name Afrezza.

• Sulfonylurea prices can range from $13 per 30-day supply of generic glipizide ER to $231 per 30-day supply of brand-name Glucotrol XL.

• GLP-1 prices can range from $335 per 30-day supply of generic liraglutide to $1,800 per 30-day supply of Saxenda.

Can you get government assistance for diabetes?

Social security

People with diabetes sometimes qualify for Social Security disability benefits, according to the American Diabetes Association. If you have serious complications and cannot work due to a medical condition, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. 

If you meet specific income criteria, you could be eligible for Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid.

Medicare and/or Medicaid

In addition to sometimes qualifying for Social Security disability benefits, you may also be eligible for Medicare and/or Medicaid, which are government healthcare programs. 

If you require insulin, Medicare caps insulin costs at $35 per month. Medicaid beneficiaries could receive insulin free or at a very low cost, according to the American Diabetes Association.

If you require other diabetes drugs, such as metformin, glipizide, or Ozempic, your copay for diabetes medications with Medicare or Medicaid will depend on your plan’s deductible and formulary.

Medicare Special Needs Plans

If you are eligible for Medicare, you may qualify for a Medicare Special Needs Plan, which provides additional services beyond standard Medicare coverage to people with certain chronic conditions like diabetes.

What do you get free with diabetes?

Some manufacturers offer free glucose monitors, but be sure to price check the components such as test strips and lancets to ensure you’re setting yourself up for the lowest recurring price. For example, it costs about $108 for 50 OneTouch Ultra test strips, 50 Contour Next test strips cost $80 on average, and 50 Accu-Chek Guide test strips cost $37.

Many insurance and Medicare plans will cover diabetic supplies; however, you may still owe a deductible and copay. For example, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of diabetes testing and durable medical equipment (such as insulin syringes) while beneficiaries are responsible for paying the remaining 20% coinsurance as well as the Part B deductible. Many people have secondary coverage that will cover the remaining 20%.

Medicaid enrollees may be eligible to receive covered diabetic supplies for free.

MedicAlert bracelets are reimbursable through many insurance plans, and the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation offers free diabetes ID necklaces.

Are people with diabetes eligible for a tax credit?

Taxpayers with diabetes can deduct unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). Eligible expenses may include insulin, medication, blood glucose monitors, insulin pumps, doctor’s appointments, and diabetes education programs.

People with disabilities, including certain diabetes complications, who meet certain income and filing requirements may also be eligible for an earned income tax credit (EITC).