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If you have extra diabetic supplies โ unused insulin, test strips, CGM sensors, or lancets โ piling up because you switched medications, changed insurance, or are managing a loved one's estate, you may be sitting on real money.
The short answer: yes, selling unused diabetic supplies is legal in most states, and it's something thousands of Americans do every month. StripValue makes it simple with a free mail-in program that pays within days. Let's walk through everything you need to know.
Is It Legal to Sell Unused Diabetic Supplies?
This is the first question almost everyone asks, and rightfully so. Here's the straightforward answer:
- Selling unused, unexpired diabetic supplies is legal in the US when purchased with personal funds (not government programs)
- You CANNOT sell supplies purchased through Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance โ that's considered fraud
- Over-the-counter supplies (test strips, lancets, alcohol swabs) are the most commonly sold and have the fewest restrictions
- Insulin is more complex โ see the section below for specifics
โ ๏ธ Important: StripValue only accepts supplies purchased with private funds โ not Medicare or Medicaid. By submitting supplies, you confirm they were not covered by a government insurance program. If you're unsure, consult a legal advisor before selling.
What Insulin and Supplies Can You Sell?
Here's a breakdown of what StripValue accepts and current value estimates:
| Item Type |
Examples |
Typical Value |
Notes |
| Insulin Pens (unopened) |
Lantus, Tresiba, Humalog, Levemir |
$30โ$120/box |
Must be unexpired, sealed |
| Insulin Vials (unopened) |
Regular insulin, NPH, mixed |
$20โ$80/vial |
Must be unexpired |
| Diabetic Test Strips |
FreeStyle, Contour, OneTouch, Accu-Chek |
$15โ$55/box |
6+ months exp. preferred |
| CGM Sensors |
Dexcom G6/G7, Libre 3, Enlite |
$40โ$120/box |
Highest demand currently |
| Insulin Pump Supplies |
Infusion sets, reservoirs, cartridges |
$10โ$60/box |
Compatibility matters |
| Lancets & Lancing Devices |
BD, Accu-Chek, Bayer |
$5โ$20/box |
Unopened only |
Values are estimates based on current market conditions in 2026. Exact offers depend on brand, quantity, expiration date, and condition. Get a free quote for your specific items.
Special Note on Insulin
Insulin occupies a unique regulatory space. In most states, it's not a controlled substance, but it is a prescription medication. Here's what that means practically:
- Selling insulin you purchased privately is generally treated the same as other OTC diabetic supplies by buyback services
- Biosimilar insulins (like Lilly's Basaglar or Novo's Semglee) command different prices than brand-name versions
- Insulin that's within 6 months of expiration is accepted at full value; closer to expiration may reduce the offer
- We do not accept opened or used insulin pens, vials, or cartridges
๐ฆ Common reason people sell: A family member with diabetes passed away, leaving behind expensive medication. A doctor changed the prescription to a different insulin type. Insurance changed and now covers a different brand. All of these are legitimate, common reasons โ and StripValue handles them with discretion and respect.
How the StripValue Mail-In Process Works
1
Get a free quote online
Tell us what you have โ brand, quantity, expiration date. We'll give you a firm offer in minutes. No obligation.
2
We send you a free shipping label
Print it at home. Pack your supplies securely. Drop at any USPS, FedEx, or UPS location โ whichever is convenient.
3
We inspect and confirm
When your package arrives, we verify the items match your quote. If anything's different, we contact you before proceeding โ no surprises.
4
You get paid in 2โ3 business days
We pay via check, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal โ your choice. Fast, secure, no fuss.
Why People Are Selling Their Unused Supplies
We hear from sellers every day who have accumulated supplies for very understandable reasons:
- Prescription changed โ doctor switched them from Lantus to Tresiba, leaving boxes of Lantus behind
- Insurance plan changed โ new plan covers a different CGM brand, old sensors pile up
- Inherited supplies โ a parent or spouse passed and left behind unopened medication
- Over-ordered โ quarterly insurance delivery sent more than needed
- Went on a pump โ switched from injections to insulin pump, have vials and pens they'll never use
In every case, those supplies have real monetary value โ and rather than throwing them away, selling them puts cash in your pocket while potentially helping others who can't afford market prices.
๐ We buy nationwide. It doesn't matter if you're in California, Texas, Florida, or anywhere in between. StripValue's mail-in program serves all 50 states. No local drop-off required โ just a shipping label and a box.
What We Don't Accept
To keep our program legal and safe, there are items we can't take:
- Supplies purchased through Medicare, Medicaid, or any government insurance program
- Expired items (unless we've specifically pre-approved them โ contact us first)
- Opened or partially used insulin pens, vials, or CGM sensors
- Controlled substances (some weight-loss medications, etc.)
- Items without original packaging
How do I know if my insulin was purchased through Medicare?
Check your insurance EOB (Explanation of Benefits) or pharmacy receipt. If it shows Medicare or Medicaid as the payer, those supplies cannot be sold. If you paid out of pocket or through private insurance, you're clear.
What if my supplies expire in 2 months โ will you still buy them?
We prefer 6+ months remaining, but contact us before sending. We evaluate short-dated items case by case and can sometimes make offers โ just at a reduced price.
Is there a minimum amount I need to sell?
We accept single boxes, though our process is most efficient for lots of $30+ in value. There's no hard minimum โ send us what you have and we'll make it work.
Can I sell Dexcom and Libre CGM supplies together with test strips?
Absolutely. We buy all of it. In fact, mixing CGM sensors, test strips, and lancets is a great way to maximize your total payout in a single shipment.
How long does the whole process take?
Quote: instant online. Shipping: 2โ5 days depending on your location. Inspection and payment: 2โ3 business days after we receive your package. Total: about 1โ2 weeks from start to payment.
Ready to Turn Unused Supplies Into Cash?
Free shipping label. Fast payment. No hassle. Nationwide service.
๐ต Get My Free Quote
What Makes StripValue Different
There are other diabetic supply buyback services out there. Here's why customers choose us:
- We're transparent about pricing โ no bait-and-switch offers after you ship
- Fast payment โ most competitors take 1โ2 weeks; we pay in 2โ3 business days
- We accept more brands โ not just the top 3 test strip brands; we buy across the board
- Respectful process โ we understand that many sellers are dealing with a loved one's supplies; we treat every transaction with care
- Free shipping both ways โ if we can't accept an item, we'll return it at no cost to you