It is perfectly fine to sell the extra blood glucose test strips that you haven’t used. Many people do this, which has created a unique market both online and offline. These small strips are made of plastic and chemicals and are used once to check blood sugar levels. Many diabetes patients need to use multiple test strips every day to keep track of their health.
However, every strip is not just a product, but also valuable in an informal market across the country. People selling the strips are usually protected by insurance and don’t spend much money upfront.
On the other hand, buyers might not have enough insurance coverage or no insurance at all. This makes diabetic test strips too expensive to afford full retail prices which can be over $100 for a box of 100 strips.
Some healthcare professionals may be surprised to find out about the large resale market that has been around for many years. While selling prescription drugs is against the law, it is typically allowed to sell unused test strips.
Many online companies like Diabeticstrust.com are doing well in this business. “I and my colleagues are making use of a loophole,” shared the owner of a well-known website (he preferred to remain anonymous). “It’s within the rules, though I feel we shouldn’t be allowed to do so.”
In 1965, test strips were created to quickly measure blood sugar levels. The person pricks their finger, puts a drop of blood on the strip, and then inserts it into a meter for the result.
The test strips were initially made for doctors’ offices. However, by 1980, medical device makers started creating meters for home use. These meters quickly became popular among people with diabetes. People were able to check their blood sugar levels up to ten times daily.
Test strips are a market worth billions of dollars. In a 2012 study in the U.S., it was discovered that insulin-dependent patients spend one-quarter of their pharmacy budget on these strips. Currently, four companies make up half of the total sales around the globe.
The price you see on the sticker is determined by the manufacturer of the strips and insurance companies. Manufacturers start with a high price and then bargain with insurers to become their preferred supplier by providing a big discount.
In this process, insured consumers may only pay a small copay or nothing at all. However, this system can be tough on uninsured individuals who end up paying the full, expensive price. Those with inadequate insurance coverage may have to meet a high deductible before receiving benefits.
As a result, a grey market has emerged where middlemen purchase surplus strips from those who have them covered by insurance for very little cost and sell them to those who are less fortunate.
Although patients with non-insulin medications don’t have to check their blood sugar daily, a study of insurance claims discovered that almost 1 out of 7 patients still regularly use test strips.
The oversupply in the market is caused by manufacturers selling specialized meters to patients who can only work with their specific brand of test strips. When a patient’s insurance company switches them to a different brand, they need to get a new meter, which often means they have to leave behind unused test strips.
Some retailers sell test strips directly to customers on websites like Amazon or eBay, but the most profitable option is to return them to retail pharmacies. Retail pharmacies can sell these strips as new items at full price to customers.
The insurance company pays the pharmacy the full price of the product and later asks the manufacturer for a partial refund. However, the manufacturer has already provided this refund for the specific box of strips.
Manufacturers justify the higher cost of test strips due to improvements in engineering and advanced technology. However, there is limited proof that these changes have benefited the health of individuals with diabetes. With continuous increase in price, these modern test strips may become less affordable for many people.
David Kliff (who writes diabetes newsletter) says, “Test strips are printed similar to how a printing press works. It’s not complicated like brain surgery.”
Some people are lucky to receive testing strips at a low cost or for free from their health insurance or Medicaid. Over time, they may end up with more strips than they need. Even if they don’t have extra strips, they might sell the ones they qualify for to get some money.
FAQs
Why would anyone want to buy diabetic test strips?
Because of the high cost of test strips, it is likely that there is a market for test strips among diabetics without access to medical insurance or the means to see a doctor. They may seek affordable options to purchase these strips.
Can you buy diabetic testing strips?
You can either get the strips with a prescription or purchase them online. Keep in mind that most meters are designed to work with only one specific type of test strip.
Do blood sugar test strips expire?
Test strips remain effective for 3-4 months after opening or until the expiration date if unopened and sealed. Seal the test strip vial tightly after opening to keep moisture out.
