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How to get free diabetic supplies

Managing diabetes can be expensive—but it doesn't have to be
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By | Updated on Aug. 13, 2025 Medically reviewed by Kristi C. Torres, Pharm.D.
Syringe, autoinjector, test strips, and glucose meter: How to Get Free Diabetic Supplies

Key takeaways

  • Diabetic supplies can be costly, but there are methods to save or obtain them for free through manufacturers, patient assistance programs, veteran benefits, and insurance coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid.

  • Contacting glucose meter manufacturers directly can often result in receiving a free glucose meter, but it’s important to compare the cost of their other supplies, like test strips and lancets.

  • Purchasing diabetes test strips and syringes in bulk, looking into patient assistance programs, and checking coverage under Medicare Part B and Part D are strategies to reduce costs.

  • MedicAlert bracelets are low-cost or reimbursable through some insurance plans, and non-profits like the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation may offer free diabetes ID necklaces.

In this article:

If you’re one of the 30 million Americans living with diabetes, you know how expensive diabetes supplies can be. From glucose meters and test strips to syringes, lancets, insulin pumps, and MedicAlert bracelets, the costs quickly add up. Fortunately, there are ways to save money or even get these products for free.

Get free coupons for diabetic supplies

How to get free diabetic supplies

It’s no secret that the price of medical supplies can add up. We’ve put together this information to help you understand the various cost-efficient methods of getting diabetic supplies. Some savings methods we’ll cover in more detail include getting free products from drug manufacturers; patient assistance programs and other non-profits; veteran benefits; and insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid coverage. Some states even offer specific savings programs for their residents. About 30% of diabetic patients do not self-monitor their sugar levels as directed due to financial strain and the cost of supplies. This can be dangerous when it comes to your ability to control your diabetes.

Glucose meters

Glucose meters, also called blood glucose meters or glucometers, measure your blood sugar levels. They typically cost $60 to $100. Some manufacturers offer free meters to encourage ongoing purchases of their supplies. Brands like Contour Next, OneTouch, FreeStyle, and Accu-Chek often provide free meters—check their websites or contact them directly. Before accepting a free glucose monitor, compare prices for compatible test strips and lancets, as they can be costly.

You can also purchase glucose meters over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription.

RELATED: How to save on the Freestyle Libre with SingleCare

Syringes

Diabetics use a needled syringe to inject insulin that comes in a multi-dose vial. 

In most U.S. states, patients can purchase insulin syringes without a prescription. However, age restrictions and limits on quantities can vary, so be sure to check the regulations and rules in your state. As with glucose monitors, one way to reduce the cost of insulin syringes is to go directly to the manufacturer. Some manufacturers also offer patient assistance programs, although some eligibility requirements apply. 

It can also be beneficial to purchase syringes in bulk to reduce the cost per unit. 

Syringes are also covered under Medicare Part D. To access this prescription drug coverage, you must be enrolled in a Medicare drug program. If you are eligible, Medicare Part D covers syringes used to administer insulin. However, you may still need to pay coinsurance or copayment. A Medicare Part D deductible may also apply. 

Pen Needles

Many injectable insulins used to treat diabetes come in prefilled pens. This is also true of other diabetes medications, such as GLP-1 agonists for Type 2 diabetes. These pens are associated with ease of use and more accurate dosing and are, in many situations, preferred over multidose vials. Each use of the pen requires a new pen needle to be attached for administration. As with syringes, going directly to the manufacturer may be more cost-effective, and there may be assistance programs for those who qualify.

Pen needles are also covered under Medicare Part D. Ask your pharmacy to process the claim for pen needles after they process the claim for the medication in the pre-filled pen. Some plans must see the claim for the medication before covering the claim for the pen needles.

Diabetes test strips

Diabetes test strips help you monitor your blood sugar and are among the most expensive diabetes supplies. They can cost between 15 cents and $1.50 per strip. Buy in bulk or compare prices online and at pharmacies. You can also purchase test strips without a prescription.

Medicare Part B covers glucose test strips as durable medical equipment, provided your provider and supplier are both enrolled in Medicare. You’ll pay 20% of the approved amount after your deductible.

Private health insurance may cover test strips, though costs vary based on brand preference and copays. Check which brands are covered and ensure they’re compatible with your glucose meter. The preferred brand for your plan can change every year, so be sure to stay up to date on your formulary changes.

Lancing devices and lancets

Many glucometers come with a lancing device. This is the device used to puncture the skin and produce a blood droplet, typically on your fingertips. If your machine came with a lancing device, you must purchase the lancets compatible with that device, much like test strips. Medicare Part B will also cover lancets with eligible enrollment. 

Like with strips, private insurance companies may restrict the brands they cover. Working with your health care provider to align your choice with your formulary can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

Continuous glucose monitors have made it easier to obtain real-time blood glucose readings with consistency. A person will wear a sensor nonstop that transmits a signal to a reader. The readings are accessible by your prescriber and can aid in better medication choice and dosage based on the person’s patterns. CGMs are covered by Medicare Part B with appropriate eligibility. Manufacturers do offer patient assistance programs as well as direct-access programs if a local pharmacy near you is not able to provide.

Insulin pumps

An insulin pump is a small, battery-operated device that stores and releases insulin. It is most commonly used by those with Type 1 diabetes. These pumps help mimic the way a healthy pancreas would usually function and are considered an expensive but convenient alternative to taking insulin injections multiple times a day. 

Insulin infusion pumps are one of the more expensive options for treating diabetes. They have been reported to cost about $4,500 per person per year without insurance, not including additional costs for supplies, which can exceed $1,500. 

Insulin pumps can be covered by insurance depending on your health plan. However, many insurers will only cover one pump every few years, so be prepared to keep your pump in working condition for some time.

Other ways people can save on their pumps are to purchase directly from the manufacturer and apply to patient assistance programs. 

MedicAlert bracelets

MedicAlert bracelets carry personal information in case of emergencies. They can be as affordable as a few dollars or up to $200 for tech-enhanced options. Some insurance plans reimburse the cost. Non-profits like the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation may offer free ID necklaces.

Frequently asked questions about diabetes supplies

How do I get my diabetic supplies through Medicare?

Diabetic supplies are eligible for coverage under Medicare Part B and Part D. You may still have to pay a copay and deductible, but the cost could still be less than it would be without Medicare or other insurance.

Does OHIP cover diabetic supplies?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) can offer some coverage for diabetic supplies, but you must meet eligibility requirements, often based on income. 

Can you claim disability for diabetes?

In some cases, you can claim disability for diabetes. However, not everyone qualifies. Generally, you must have uncontrolled diabetes or serious health problems due to an inability to control your diabetes to receive disability benefits. 

Where can I get free insulin?

The cost of insulin has skyrocketed over the last few years. If you are struggling to pay for your insulin, three drug manufacturers—Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi—may offer immediate prescription assistance. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has more information on how to access cheaper insulin through manufacturers. 

How can you buy diabetes care products online?

There are a number of ways to buy diabetes care products online. Big-box retailers, pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, and online retailers all offer extensive options of diabetes care supplies, such as test strips. You can also access free coupons from SingleCare to reduce the cost of these supplies.

How SingleCare can help

Although SingleCare is most known for helping people access lower prescription drug prices, we also provide some of the best prices on diabetic supply products, including test strips, syringes, and glucometers like the Freestyle Libre Reader.

Search for the diabetic supplies you need at singlecare.com/rx, find the lowest price, and show the SingleCare coupon at your pharmacy to start saving today.