Adrenaline, have you checked to make sure if any of the drugs you are prescribed come in generic form? If so, ask doctor to switch you to that. Usually they are cheaper than brand names. Also, see if you can do mail order through your prescription plan and if they have a specific mail order pharmacy. Many times mail order ends up saving you one copay for a three month supply of med (you pay equivalent of two copays rather than three for three month supply). I also found out that with my specific insurance plan, the doctor ordered 66 days supply of test strips for me and because of the way the insurance is written, I was being charged three copays. My insurance benefit reads "up to a 33 day supply", however if it is for more than one month, then the insurance goes according to 30 day supply, so 66 days ran into the 3rd month by 6 days. I would have paid $40.00 for 6 day supply rather than 30 day supply. Doesn't make sense to me, but this is what health care reform is doing to private insurance policies. Sad.
Also, you might see if any pharmacy/drug store in your area offers no cost diabetic meds (generic form) such as metformin, glyburide, etc. I get my metformin from our local grocery store pharmacy free. Every little bit helps!
I also use the same lanclet to test until it hurts, then I change it. I'm the only one using the darn thing so I'm not afraid of being infected with anything, and sometimes I use the same pen needle cap if I am running low. I typically do not like to do that because with the insulin it burns sometimes, but it also cost me $40.00 for one month supply...and I understand that the costs can add up. My copay used to only be $20.00, but it went up this past year.
Just some thoughts on what you can look in to. Also, be careful about getting meds from other countries. Keep in mind they do not always tests products like the USA does, so you might end up with inferior meds. Just be careful with that one. Make sure you use reputable places out of country.
Good Luck!
