Getting a free meter usually isn't the problem... it's the cost of the testing strips and other supplies that run into the money.
From the ADA site:
4. I cannot afford my test strips. What should I do?
People without health insurance can check with a local community center or clinic to see if they can obtain free or reduced-cost test strips. Unfortunately, the ADA is not aware of any manufacturer that offers a compassionate use program for test strips.
People with health insurance that does not adequately cover test strips have fewer options. Different pharmacies have test strips available at varying prices, so shopping around for the lowest cost will help those individuals whose policies cover a percentage of the cost.
So those without insurance (or those with inadequate insurance) are screwed. Do they quit their job and go on public assistance? Or continue working, unable to afford adequate preventative and maintenance care and end up with the myriad of complications that come with uncontrolled diabetes? Which means not only additional health issues for that person, but lost productivity, disability, expensive long-term care, etc.
Whenever someone goes off on a tangent against single payer/universal health care, I ask them to consider
just this one condition, and it's economic impact on us all --- then tell me a universal health plan focused on preventative maintenance care is "too expensive".
[/rant]
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