How to Save Money on Diabetes Care

Diabetes educator talking to a person with diabetes

A diabetes educator can help you avoid costly health problems.

Diabetes costs can really add up. Find out how you can save money on medicine, supplies, and treatment and still get the care you need.

A person with diabetes pays more than twice as much a year for health care as a person who doesn’t have diabetes. The good news is that you can save on many of those costs so that managing diabetes doesn’t take such a big bite out of your budget.

Some ways you can lower the cost of day-to-day diabetes care:

Save on Medicine

Call your health insurance company to find out which medicines are covered at the lowest cost to you. Ask your doctor to prescribe them if possible.
Compare pharmacies for the least expensive prescription prices. Your neighborhood drug store may not have the lowest.
Ask your health care team if changing your medicine is an option:
- Can you take a generic or lower-priced medicine?
- Some medicines are combined into one pill and cost less. Are some of your medicines available that way?
- Can you get a higher dose of your medicine and split the pills into the correct dose?
- Can you take a less expensive drug that works well instead of a newer, more expensive one?
Look into pharmacy discounts to save on prescriptions. Search online or ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Let your health care team know if you’re having trouble paying for your medicine. They may know of programs or coupons that can help cut the cost.
Most drug companies have a patient assistance program that provides free or low-cost medicine. Search for your medicines on this siteexternal icon or ask your health care team about available programs.