As a patient with type-one diabetes, I have run into desperation for medical insurance. With the inability to work, I am faced with a decision to deal with government medical insurance. Thankfully, I am able to keep my own doctor. If, I were not with a low-income doctor I would have had to switch to a doctor that would be on the approved list tat the government offers.
After running out of insulin which costs $150.00, I could not afford more, so I had to go back to my doctor’s pharmacy. I ran into a bit of a snag, as the Pharmacists told me that my insurance did not cover the insulin pen that I was using.
Without hesitation I go with the vile that was suggested only to find out that syringes were not available. “Now what do I do?” I thought. Perhaps the doctor expects me to drink it.
I went to the pharmacy suggested only to find out that they do not accept Medicaid anymore.
Tears begin to form in the corner of my eyes as I tried to fight back emotion. Since when did a human have to pay for the very right to live?
Dizziness continued to take over as I caught a bus and begin my travel back home. For the next few days I would have to struggle just to get a hold of a simple tool that is necessary for me to take my insulin.
I went to other shops trying to find a place that would accept Medicaid only to be denied. I felt within my heart that pharmacies should not have the right to deny Medicaid for diabetics. We are human beings to who have to have this medicine in order to survive.
As I have spent my time searching for where the best place to get insulin needles at, I have also spent time searching for places that accept Medicaid. Bartells drug store was a big no as I walked in and desperately begged for needles.
Now, I have spent one year in the Philippines. Medicines there were so inexpensive that it was often a surprise to me. Sometimes pills would cost around 1-3 pesos which is often bout five cents here in the USA. So why is the medicine here so much more expensive.
The truth is, it all boils down to a “get rich quick scheme”. People want their money, not only do they want their money but they want their large profit margins that go with selling the medicine. Pharmacies truly do not care about the fact that human beings rely on them to survive. Their motives are all based on what money is being provided.
Keeping these thoughts in my mind, I was still searching for the syringes that I needed. Suddenly, I ran into a friend who uses needles for personal reasons and I then asked him where he gets his needles and he mentioned the needle exchange.
The needle exchange is located in Seattle, Wa at 2124 4th Ave. 98121. This place is open for exchanges Monday through Friday between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. You can get email updates as well if you visit their web site, which is
In conclusion, If you are a diabetic and do not where to go to pick up your needles for your insulin, then the needle exchange is your safest bet. You need to live and we as insulin dependents should not have to suffer at the hands of selfish gain.
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/hiv/resources/needle.aspx. BE sure to save all your needles in a safe package to take back to them and exchange for more for free! This place intends to dispose of the needles properly to help prevent more spread of diseases.
