I’ve been accused of being “pro-Walmart”, but I’m really not “pro” any retailer but more pro people being able to afford their diabetes medication supplies and equipment. That’s what I feel is the most important thing!
I do know that Walmart has problems, but I believe in giving them credit where it’s due. I believe they were the first to start the $4.00 generic drug plan, now many others have started it as well, some even for free!
They still remain the only retailer to provide low-cost insulin, others could but have not done so. There is no generic insulin, why I have no idea since a person’s life could depend on it. Walmart has the older version insulin NPH or Novolin 70/30 and regular insulin for about $25.00, most other stores begin at $40.00+ dollars. They aren’t like the newer insulins, but all diabetics used them successfully before the newer ones were developed. I’ve used NPH for over 10 years now successfully. You also don’t need a prescription for these, but may for the needles depending on your location.
Now they’ve started a new program for test strips, so important to gain control and what I consider your “best tool”. Here it is:
That’s a GREAT price, and reviews are good for the ReliOn meters. Since you don’t need a prescription to buy meters or strips anyone can purchase them if they have insurance or not. Insurance will probably not cover them, but at this price it’s probably cheaper than any co-pay.
So yes, I do give Walmart a lot of credit for this, hopefully others will follow but they’re the first.
Thank you Walmart!!!!!
Lizzy
© EMO 7/12
Knowledge is Power
When I was diagnosed, close to 11 years ago, I was told “you are diabetic”, given a prescription for some medication, and told to wait for a nurse to come in and give me an insulin shot. When I picked up the prescription I was given a 10-page booklet telling me “All About How to Mange Diabetes”, and sent on my way. That was the extent of my “education”. 
I agree with you. I love that there are lower cost options out there for those of us who need them, even if it is the “evil” Walmart. I had trouble a few months ago, all of the Walmarts near me ran out of their ReliOn test strips. My husband and I went to 4 different locations and they were all sold out, and my insurance had declined me new test strips for 10 days because I was trying to refill it too early. If I can get my Dr to write my prescription correctly (which I haven’t been successful at yet) my insurance will cover 300 strips for a single $15 copay. About the time I found that out from my insurance company, I began seeing a perinatalogist for diabetic pregnancy. So for now, my strips are covered. I will be scheduling an appt with my regular Dr right before the baby is born so that I can get her to give me an updated prescription. I think most of my problem lies with talking to a nurse, trying to explain my coverage issues with her and hoping she will relay them to the Dr correctly. I’m hoping that speaking to the Dr directly will fix the issue. Otherwise, I will have to begin using ReliOn a lot more often than I already do.
You can always buy the ReliOn strips on-line. It is best to talk with the doctor yourself instead of having it go second hand.
Lizzy
I have the new Relion meter from Walmart. The cost of the strips that go with that meter allow me to test 6 or 7 times a day.
That’s great James, I’m so happy about the new Walmart deal because now so many more people can test the way they need to.
Lizzy
I want to add that while the meter is in the stores near me, the strips aren’t on the shelves. I have to order them on line and then go pick them up in about 4 hours at the store.
Since it’s a new, and very popular program, it will probably take time for them to stock up well. There’s always the on-line option though where you can pick them up at the store or have them mailed.
Lizzy
This is great info! Thanks. I just had to buy test strips thru Amazon because it was too soon for my insurance to pay. And even when they do cover it, my copay is $12, so Walmart is still cheaper.
Hi Scooton,
This is great news for a lot of people. I hope others follow the lead as they did with the generic drugs.
Lizzy
I agree with you Lizzy. Testing is the foundation of good diabetes management and ony being told to test one or three times a day is not good care. We need to test as often as it takes to test to reach and maintain optimal control of our diabetes and Wal Mart is the first store to see the importance of testing in the lives of all people with diabetes.
Thank you Lizzy.
I am fairly certain that medicare will cover the cost and my BCBS of texas provided me with a free meter I had a choice of 3 or 4. 2 were Bayer, and one or two from Accu-check I am not certain on the accucheck brands. My parents told me that most insurances now cover diabetic supplies because it is cheaper in the long run than paying for the additional problems that can occur if you don’t regularly check your glucose levels and keep it under control. My insurance covers my supplies with a prescription.
I am happy that someone has decided to make testing supplies inexpensive to the general public.
Hi Steffy,
While many insurance companies cover testing supplies, most limit them to one or two a day, and if you’re on insulin at most 4. This isn’t nearly enough for people just starting to test and discover how their body works.
If a person sticks with the meter their insurance pays for strips for, the costs can be very high since all meters only work with their brand of strips. Many can’t test as much as they need to because of this. At the new Walmart prices most people can now afford to test as often as they should without breaking their budget.
Lizzy