Hello and Welcome. Like your friend I too am diabetic and live on a fixed income. I'm not travelling at this time however I have moved several times and learned a few things about making sure I always have my meds. available. I take 2 types of insulin = 4 daily injections.
I AM NOT A EXPERT....THIS IS JUST WHAT I'VE LEARNED AND EXPERIENCED MYSELF.
I have lived in 4 states since I began drawing SSA benifits
I have Part D coverage with United Health also known as AARPrx. With them on Meds. you take regularly you can refill when you are down to 25%. You can also request a "vacation" over-ride 1 time per yr. per med. to fill early so you don't run out while traveling
I use Wal-Greens, Rite AID, and Publix Pharmacies
I always request from my DRs that my prescriptions are to be for a 90 day supply with 3 refills.
I always request new scripts written the same way prior to a move and file them with the pharmacy.
Depending on income level and state a person is a "resident" of can make a difference in medication costs and Part D premiums and plan coverage.
I have never seen a state advertise the following:
Many states "medicaid"programs may pay medicare premiums, co-pays, part D premiums, and most/part of meds. co-pays. Even if not eligible for full "Medicaid" It all depends on a persons income level and the amount can vary state to state. There are different levels of "Help" depending on the state and your income. The best thing to do IMO is call the state ahead of time and just ask. Of course everything is on the internet now. Also Medicare has "Extra Help" programs.
OFF TOPIC......There are also energy assistance programs in some states, probably not much help off grid but could be useful in other living situations if needed.
A few yrs. ago while helping a neighbor fill out a apt. lease renewal she told me her income and that she was paying her full medicare premium and had no prescription coverage. She agreed to us calling AL medicaid, she applied and was approved, they backdated her approval by 6mo. put money in her bank acct., started paying all her Medicare premiums, a free Part D plan, and her meds. were $1.60 generic and $3.20 name brand for a month supply. SHE COULD HAVE BEEN RECEIVING THIS FOR YEARS. She had no idea this program was available.
As I told one state employee "It is very hard to inquire about something when you do not know that it even exists" I could see the wheels turning :huh:
I hope this info helps in some way. Jewellann
P.S. before any one starts pi$$ing and moaning about milking the systems etc. They are there to help us when we need it. My father paid SS from it's inception and died 2 yrs after retiring. I have worked since I was 11yrs old, sometimes 2 or 3 jobs at a time because that's what it took to support myself and child at the time. Just saying JF
