Got a call from my Doctor's office today............

[TexasTowelie]

32. I'm a type-I diabetic and long term unemployed. Check with social services where you live.

I'm too young for Medicare and don't meet eligibility requirements for Medicaid since I'm single and not considered disabled. My county has a medical assistance program and I qualified because of lack of income. If your unemployment benefits have ended or fairly low, then you may qualify for these programs immediately even if your 2012 tax return places you above the eligibility limits.

I qualified for receiving insulin pens for both long-term and short-term insulins, Lyrica for neuropathy and medications for cholesterol and high blood pressure/kidney support that will be paid by the medical assistance program. They can also refer you to organizations if you are taking anti-depressant medications and direct you to your local food bank if necessary.

I had to show proof of residency (three months), provide an income statement, ID, Social Security card and a list of medications that I was taking. I also had to complete some additional paperwork, but they did not ask for any records from my prior physician

Although the medical clinic is staffed by a nurse practitioner I received exams, plus blood and lipid panels that were as thorough as what I received from my private physician.

I also would check on seeing if you can obtain a reduced price on glucose test strips (Freestyle Lite). I was able to save about 50% by searching on the Internet and completing a quick form online.

Good luck--hopefully this will help you stretch out any savings that you still retain. Please let me know if any of this helps or you can send me a DU mail if you have other questions.