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Lazarus Takes on Test Strip Gouging

Linda von Wartburg

Nov 10, 2007

Los Angeles Times columnist and newly diagnosed type 1 David Lazarus is becoming quite an advocate for people with diabetes.

His latest column is about the ridiculous price of test strips, which cost about a dollar a piece but can't take more than about a dime to actually manufacture.

Categories: Diabetes, Diabetes, Meters, Pharmacy, Type 1 Issues

Comments

Posted by rlauden on 15 November 2007

I to am irritated by the cost of test strips even though as a Type II I only do one test per day. My Medicare part B coverage did cover the cost but the co-pay mad the savings only about half the cost. Recently I found out that WalMart sells the ReliOn meter for less than $10.00 and the cost for strips are just over 0.40 each when purchased by the 100. The operation and ease of use is very similar to the heavily promoted meters.

Posted by TJPJE777 on 15 November 2007

I am also tired of the high cost of the test strips. I was always told that as the demand of a product goes up the price then would come down. NOT!! I am also Type II but test myself 5X/day and have very good control of my blood sugars. I will reduce the amount I test as I find what foods do what to my system. My cost in Walmart Canada is about $80/100. What I find ironic is that the acutal tester is now being given away if you buy 100 strips. This is a great money maker for the manufactures of the product and it will continue to increase their profits until we find something better to replace this technology... but why replace a money making technology right? If the strips were more reliable I would not have as much of a problem (OneTouch) can be off as much as 20% from strip to strip. I can't wait until my testing is complete and I can get down to only a couple times / week.

Posted by Elmira Viking on 18 November 2007

I'm a type 1, and am fortunate in that my company drug plan pays 100% of the cost of my test strips, but it does tick me off that the companies give the meters away, and charge nearly $1.00 per strip. I wonder if that's the reason why they don't market blood glucose meters that continuously monitor your blood sugars via something like a wrist watch for insulin pumps ?.

Posted by Anonymous on 29 December 2007

i am a type 2 for 11 yrs now,started with pills, now with insulin 60 units a day,i get my insulin for free from the manufacturer cause i had a stroke in may and i have not work since,its funny because i am getting the insulin for free but i cant get my strips and financially it hurts me,although i get food stamps i cant get medicaid or disability yet, but i am still trying and i wont give up..

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