I used a Freestyle Light meter for years, and if I needed more strips than my insurance would cover, they were quite inexpensive from Amazon.com — especially with the free shipping you get if you are a prime member.
I still keep the monitor as a backup, mainly because of the cheap and easy strips. It's worth checking out!
Oh yes. I was in this situation and did considerable research. I ended up getting a TrueBalance meter by NiPro Diagnostics. American Diabetes Wholesale has both the meter and test strips. You can get a Free meter by buying 100 test strips : TRUEbalance Glucose Meter Combo - 100 strips & 1 FREE Meter for $19.49. And yes, 100 test strips are 19.49.
I have 4 meters all around: One in kitchen, bedroom, each of both cars. I always have one within access. I order 200 per mon for about $40. This brings down your $800 to $120.
AND there is free Software that lets you download each meter's data to your computer and draw graphs to show trends. Its the best and lowest cost way to stay on track. Strip costs are kep low by NiPro NOT advertising or making strip available thru pharmacies. You have to order these thru on-line pharmacies. ADW is the very best I have found. Very good delivery and if you select AUTO SHIP you can save even more.
Ron
Check Amazon
100 Contour Next are $30
I used the Walmart Relion Prime for years. It is SO cheap. When comparing with my new meter, the only difference is that really high readings (200-300) may be less accurate with the Relion Prime. But certainly accurate enough to boost properly. I highly recommend the Relion Prime.
Great post, peeps could save a bunch, I will look into it.
I also test 7-10 times per day. Previous to my insurance paying for my testing strips and my One Touch Ultra use, I bought the Walmart brand meter and strips Reli-on. They were the cheapest, and seemed to work good. Also, I would order other types from http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/?utm_source=MSN&utm_me.... They don't carry every brand, but usually they are about 50% the cost of picking them up at Walmart. Good luck!
Reli-on and also True track are about 50 cent a strip.
I get 100 strips for $28 on Amazon for Bayer Contour Next
That's 28 cent a piece less than a pack of cigarettes a day.
How did you find the Naturopath? and Yes, I agree about doctors working for us, but often times some of them do have a "I know better" complex.
Gosh, my strips are free, under Medicare. Are you nearing retirement age, or can you get on Social Security Disability? That might help. Otherwise, if you are working, demand a better medical insurance plan. When I was working, diabetic supplies cost me little or nothing. I understand that single moms are in a particularly difficult position, if that applies to you. Honestly, anyone with type 1 diabetes should be under specialized care (diabetes doctor, periodic training sessions in a hospital) and health insurance (if you have none, we now have the Affordable Healthcare Act which provides very low-cost insurance--please visit https://www.healthcare.gov/ and sign up.)
Read the other answers, too.Best of luck!
ADDED: Looks like the original poster is no longer reading the answers. She only replied once. She was "venting" and may be uninterested in further advice.