Controlling the “ABCs of diabetes” — A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels — is difficult enough, but when you add that second C — costly medications — it’s easy to see how one’s levels can spiral out of control quickly.

According to the American Diabetes Association, for the 30 million people living with diabetes in the U.S., health care costs are more than double (2.3 times) the costs of those without diabetes. This is due to the ever-increasing costs of medications to treat diabetes and the chronic conditions that often accompany the disease, namely high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In fact, between 2002 and 2013, the cost of insulin has tripled, and newer cholesterol- and blood pressure-lowering medication costs are also on the rise.

Now, consider that in the U.S., more than 2 million children and adults living with diabetes do not have access to health insurance, and millions more are in high-deductible plans that can require high out-of-pocket costs. Lack of access to diabetes medications can lead to avoidable doctor visits, hospitalizations, amputations, and even death.

The good news is there are several ways to receive discounts on diabetes medications if you are uninsured or underinsured.

First

Shop around. Medication prices can vary greatly by pharmacy.

Second

If you are not using insurance to cover the cost of prescription drugs, there are many ways to obtain prescription assistance. One way to start saving money immediately is with the Inside Rx card, available here. The Inside Rx card is a free discount drug card, which can provide deep discounts on certain brand-name diabetes medications, including insulin and drugs that treat co-existing conditions such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Third

Explore pharmaceutical assistance programs. Most pharmaceutical companies also offer financial assistance programs to persons who have trouble affording their medications and supplies. Eligibility and details will vary.

By doing some research into these types of programs and databases, it may be possible to find diabetes medication discounts and save money every year, while controlling your diabetes.

Page 3 of 3: Living with Diabetes

How To Save On Insulin Prices