Selling a relative's diabetic supplies: caregivers and families
The short version: Sealed, unexpired supplies that a family member paid for privately or received through private insurance can be sold by the person handling their affairs. Supplies paid for by Medicare or Medicaid can't. You don't need to know what everything is. A photo of the boxes is enough for us to sort it out.
You are not the only one asking
A large share of the messages we get come from sons, daughters, and spouses. Someone has passed away, moved into assisted living, or changed treatment, and there is a closet or a dresser drawer full of boxes. Throwing them out feels wrong. They were expensive, and someone else can use them. But it is hard to know what is allowed.
What can be sold
The rule is the same one that applies to anyone, and it is about who paid for the supplies:
- Paid for out of pocket or through private insurance: these belong to the household and can be sold if they are sealed and in date.
- Paid for by Medicare or Medicaid: these cannot be sold, and we don't buy them.
Many older adults are on Medicare, so check the labels. If the boxes are marked, we will see it. More detail is in is it legal to sell diabetic supplies in Texas?
If an estate is involved, the person with authority over the belongings, usually the executor or the surviving spouse, is the one who should make the sale. If the family is unsure who that is, settle that first.
What usually has value
- Sealed CGM sensors: Dexcom G7 and FreeStyle Libre
- Sealed Omnipod five-packs
- Sealed 100-count boxes of name-brand test strips
- Sealed infusion sets from Tandem and Medtronic
What usually doesn't
- Anything opened, even if nearly full
- Expired boxes
- Meters, lancets, pen needles, and alcohol swabs
- Insulin and all other medications
The easy way to do it
- Gather the boxes in one place. Don't open anything and don't peel off labels.
- Take one photo of everything, then a photo of the ends showing the expiration dates. Here is how.
- Text the photos to (469) 248-7159. We'll tell you what has value and make an offer on it.
- In Dallas–Fort Worth we come to the home for larger lots, which often helps when you are clearing out a house. Elsewhere in Texas, or in any other state, we send a free mail-in label.
If there are 20 or more boxes, the lot gets bulk pricing and is scheduled first.
Timing
There is no need to deal with this in the first days after a loss. But sensors, pods, and strips lose value every month as the expiration date gets closer, so it is worth doing in the first few weeks rather than the first few months.
Common questions
Can I sell my late parent's diabetic supplies?
If you are the person handling their belongings and the supplies are sealed, unexpired, and were not paid for by Medicare or Medicaid, yes.
I don't know what any of these boxes are. Can you help?
Yes. Text a photo of everything together. We'll tell you which boxes have value, which don't, and why.
Most of it came through Medicare. Is any of it sellable?
Not the Medicare-paid boxes. Sometimes a household has a mix, for example supplies from before the person went on Medicare. We can help you tell which is which from the labels.
What should I do with the insulin and medications?
We don't buy insulin or any medication. Ask the pharmacy about take-back options, and use a sharps container for needles and lancets.
Related guides
Is it legal in Texas? · What supplies are worth · Expired and short-dated boxes · Box condition guide · How to photograph boxes · Selling by mail in Texas · Pickup or mail-in? · Selling 20+ boxes · Selling safely · Leftovers after switching
Selling something specific? Test strips · Accu-Chek strips · Contour Next · FreeStyle Lite · Dexcom G7 · FreeStyle Libre · Omnipod · Medtronic · Tandem · Where we buy in Texas