Access & Support
Confidently access the technology you need to manage diabetes and improve your daily well-being.
Accessing the latest diabetes innovations shouldn’t be limited by cost or complexity. Programs, resources, and support networks exist to help make continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, apps, and other tools more affordable and easier to obtain. By exploring financial assistance programs, insurance options, and community resources, people living with diabetes can find the support they need to access life-changing technology. These initiatives empower you to manage your diabetes confidently, reduce stress about expenses, and take advantage of innovations that improve health, well-being, and daily quality of life.
Organizations & Programs That May Help
Patient Advocate Foundation / Diabetes Co-Pay Relief
The American Diabetes Association partners with Patient Advocate Foundation to provide a Diabetes Co-Pay Relief fund; they provide case management and financial aid to people with chronic diseases.
PAN Foundation (Patient Access Network Foundation)
They have a Type 2 Diabetes Fund that can provide up to ~$3,100 per year for eligible patients to cover deductibles, copays, coinsurance, etc.
Their mission includes helping underinsured people (i.e. those with private insurance) afford out-of-pocket costs.
Abbott Diabetes Care – FreeStyle Promise Program
Offers support for FreeStyle meters and test strips; can help with copays or reduced cost programs.
Ascensia Diabetes Care Assistance
They offer the Contour Next meter and test strip savings programs, including help with prior authorization and reimbursement issues.
BD Insulin Syringe Assistance Program
BD (Becton Dickinson) offers a syringe assistance program for those needing insulin syringes. Note: Persons on Medicare or Medicaid may not qualify in some cases.
CR3 Diabetes Association
This nonprofit helps provide insulin supplies, glucose meters, test strips, etc., for people who cannot afford them.
The Embrace Foundation
Helps diabetics obtain essential supplies (insulin, meters, test strips, lancets, infusion sites, etc.).
Help Hope Live
A nonprofit that assists people with serious or chronic medical needs by helping them raise funding/community support to cover medical supplies/equipment.
Important Caveats & Tips
Some patient assistance programs exclude people who already have private/commercial insurance or restrict benefits for those with decent coverage. Always check the eligibility criteria. Many programs are income-based (e.g. must be ≤ a certain % of Federal Poverty Level). Assistance is often for copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs, not necessarily full coverage of all supplies. Some programs are manufacturer-specific (i.e. only for certain brands). For diabetes supplies like glucose meters, test strips, insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), there are CGM affordability programs and manufacturer discount programs. It’s useful to talk with your endocrinologist, diabetes educator, or pharmacy — they often know local or state programs too.
Manufacturer Programs / PAPs (Patient Assistance Programs)
Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program
Is for certain Novo Nordisk diabetes products. (Note: may have restrictions if you have private insurance)
Many pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers have copay or discount assistance programs. The AACE lists several in their prescription help directory.
HelpingPatients.org – Diabetes Programs & Supplies”
A directory of assistance programs (for test strips, meters, supplies) from various sources.
Programs / Manufacturers that Assist People with Private Insurance
Patient Advocate Foundation — Co-Pay Relief (CPR)
Helps insured patients afford out-of-pocket costs (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) for prescriptions or treatments.
This is designed for insured patients (private or commercial) who meet financial criteria. Patient Advocate Foundation.
PAN Foundation (Patient Access Network Foundation)
Disease-specific funds (including for type 2 diabetes) to help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
PAN explicitly helps federally and commercially insured people with the out-of-pocket costs of their treatment.
Lilly Insulin Value Program
All Lilly insulins available for $35/month, whether the patient has commercial insurance or none. This is a “value program” rather than a classic free PAP, but it supports insured patients.
Sanofi Insulins / Lantus Savings Program
For patients with commercial insurance: a cap so they pay no more than $35 for a 30-day supply under the program. Even those with private insurance are eligible (subject to terms).
Ascensia Diabetes Care — CONTOUR® NOW / Test Strip Savings & Assistance
Offers savings cards, assistance with prior authorization / reimbursement, and test strip savings programs. Some of their savings/assistance programs are available to insured (commercial) patients.
BD Insulin Syringe Assistance Program
Provides assistance for insulin syringes (for those who need them) under certain eligibility.
Note: people on Medicare/Medicaid often are excluded from this program.
Dexcom Patient Assistance Program
Dexcom offers a patient assistance program (PAP) for their CGMs Some of the Dexcom programs accommodate commercial insurance or reduced out-of-pocket costs for insured patients. (Check current eligibility)
CGM / Insulin Pump Manufacturer Programs
Many CGM and insulin pump companies offer co-pay cards, discounts, or assistance for commercial insurance patients. For example, Omnipod offers co-pay card assistance as low as $50/month for commercial insurance.
HelpingPatients.org — Diabetes Programs & Supplies Directory
A directory that aggregates multiple assistance programs (for supplies, devices, test strips, etc.). It includes programs that have support for insured patients.
Important Caveats & Tips
PAP vs Copay Assistance / Value Programs: Traditional Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) often exclude those with private insurance (they are primarily for uninsured or underinsured). Private insurance holders are more likely to benefit from copay assistance, savings cards, or value programs offered by the manufacturer. Check each program’s eligibility carefully. Even in the programs above, a given insurance plan or drug/device might be excluded, or your income may disqualify you. Co-pay coupons / cards (manufacturer-sponsored) are one of the main tools used to lower out-of-pocket costs for insured patients. Always verify with your insurance and the program whether using the copay assistance or savings card will count toward your deductible or whether there are restrictions. Some programs are temporarily closed due to funding; check the program’s website for the status of application acceptance. For example, the ADA-PAF Diabetes Co-Pay Relief fund is sometimes closed to new applications.
Disclaimer
At Keeping Peace With Diabetes, our resources are created to encourage mindfulness, self-compassion, and informed living with diabetes. The information we share is meant to support you—not replace the care or advice of your healthcare provider. Please remember that only your doctor or diabetes care team can give medical advice or treatment tailored to your unique needs. If you ever have questions about your health or treatment, reach out to your provider for guidance. Your well-being is personal, and your care decisions deserve professional attention and support.
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