Resources for Needy Diabetics

When we find ourselves in a situation where we need help, the most important thing is not to panic. Break down the puzzle a little at a time, use the internet to your benefit, and contact your local department of human service agencies, or even non-profit organizations, or churches. They will most likely have listings of local services offered in your community, for free or for a sliding scale fee.

Things that might be beneficial to do: 

• Apply for Medicaid: Even if you are certain you will be denied coverage, many assistance programs require that you have a Medicaid denial letter before they can help you. 
• When you visit a free clinic: Request a doctor write you a letter stating your glucose testing needs, and frequency. You might even want to bring any applications for patient assistance, as many require initialing and stating frequency of testing, for glucose strips, or even an Rx from a doctor. 
• Keep your pay stubs: If you are working, however little, KEEP THOSE STUBS. Also keep your latest food stamp approval letter, if you have any. You can use it for all kinds of things, even a hardship deferment on any student loans, from college, that you might have. 
• Contact your local colleges: In some areas, universities with a college of medicine might partner to help offer low cost, or no cost, medical services, as a branch Medicaid, which don't require as many hoops. Sometimes, they even partner with local transportation services, to offer low cost transportation to those who live far from their facilities. An example of such a program is IowaCare, previously known as "State Papers."
• Keep on eye on newspapers or the internet (pharmaceutical sites, diabetes forums, glucose meter manufacturing sites, pharmacy sites) for coupons, free glucose meter offers, or glucose tab/gel samples, and other accessories:  Sometimes you can find a coupon that, combined with an item that is on sale, can get you that item for free. 

Food Assistance: 

• Food Stamps
• Find a Local Food Bank
• Food At First (in Ames, IA)

Free Clinics: 

• Google free clinics for your county, or city, or call your local Department of Health Services to ask. They WILL know. (Local churches, and other non-profit organizations will likely know, as well.)  
• The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
• Free Clinics of Iowa
• Primary Health Care (in Iowa)
• Samaritan House (San Mateo, and Redwood City, California)

Free Birth Control and Pap Smears: 

• Planned Parenthood of the Heartland

Assistance with Prescription Medications: 

• Needy Meds
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance
• Rx Assist

Assistance with Glucose Strips and Meters, Medications, or Insulin:

• Accu-Check Patient Assistance Program
• Contacting the pharmaceutical companies that make insulin and medications

Free Eye Exams: 

• Eye Care America
• Vision USA
• Mission Cataract USA (Mission Cataract USA offers free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no means to pay.) 

Free Dental Clinics: 

• Find Free Dental Clinics and Treatment By State and County/City
• Free Dental Care Finder
• Contact Your Local Department of Human Services Office for Local Resources, or Sliding Scale Clinics

Free Podiatry Clinics: 

• California School of Podiatric Medicine (Once a year, for three days. San Ysidro, California)
• Clínica Tepati (Sacramento, California) 
• NYC Free Clinic
• Free/Sliding Scale Clinics in Pittsburgh 
• Hanover Interfaith Clinics : Ashland Christian (Disciples of Christ) Free Podiatry Clinic
  302 S. James St.
  Ashland, VA 23005
  Phone: (804) 752-3456
  Fax: (804) 752-3535
  Co-Directors: Jennifer Sydnor & Marcie Moyer

If you have any suggestions or know of any other programs or services, please feel free to contact me, and I'll gladly add them to the list.