Yes — in the United States it is legal to sell unused, unexpired, sealed diabetic test strips that you bought and own, as long as they were not paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, or another government program. Reselling supplies obtained through those programs is considered fraud and is illegal.
Why selling your own test strips is legal
Diabetic test strips are sold over the counter — you don’t need a prescription to buy them — and once you’ve purchased them, they are your personal property. Reselling property you legally own is generally permitted. Many people end up with extra, unopened boxes after a change in their care, including:
- Switching to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) such as Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre
- A doctor changing their prescription or test-strip brand
- A change in insurance coverage
- Receiving more strips than they can use before the expiration date
- Sorting through supplies after a loved one has passed away
Selling those surplus strips puts cash back in your pocket and keeps perfectly good supplies out of the landfill.
When selling test strips is NOT legal
There are a few important exceptions. It is not legal to sell test strips that were:
- Paid for by Medicare or Medicaid. These are government-funded, and reselling them is considered fraud under federal law.
- Obtained through insurance in a way that prohibits resale, or acquired specifically to resell for profit
- Expired, opened, damaged, or removed from their original packaging
- Repackaged, relabeled, or misrepresented in any way
- Stolen or otherwise not legally yours
If your strips came through Medicare or Medicaid, the only safe and legal options are to donate them or dispose of them — not sell them.
What makes test strips sellable?
Reputable buyers can only accept strips that are safe for someone else to use. Before you sell, make sure your boxes are:
- Factory sealed and unopened
- Unexpired — most buyers require several months (often 6–12) before the expiration date
- In the original, undamaged retail box (no pharmacy stickers over the box, and no “not for retail sale” items)
- A brand buyers purchase — for example Accu-Chek, Contour Next, OneTouch, and FreeStyle
Why is there a market for diabetic test strips?
Millions of Americans manage diabetes, and not everyone has insurance that fully covers testing supplies. A legitimate secondary market lets people with extra, unopened strips sell them, and helps uninsured or underinsured individuals buy the supplies they need at a lower cost. It’s a win-win that also reduces medical waste.
How to sell your diabetic test strips safely and legally
- Confirm your strips are unopened, unexpired, and were not paid for by Medicare or Medicaid
- Gather your boxes and check the brand and expiration dates
- Request a free quote — with Diabetic Dollars Direct you can tell us what you have and get a quote
- Ship for free with a prepaid label, or send them yourself and we’ll reimburse the postage
- Get paid fast — payment within 24 hours of delivery via Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App
Have more questions about the process? Our FAQ page covers payment, shipping, and exactly what we accept.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell test strips I got through insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid?
No. Supplies paid for by Medicare or Medicaid cannot legally be resold. If you are unsure how your strips were paid for, it is best not to sell them.
Do diabetic test strips have to be unexpired?
Yes. Strips must be unexpired and sealed in their original box, and most buyers want several months of shelf life remaining.
Is it legal to sell test strips in my state?
Selling your own unused, non-government-funded strips is broadly legal across the U.S., though a few states have specific rules. When in doubt, check your local regulations.
How much can I get for my test strips?
Payouts vary by brand, box size, and expiration date. You can get a free quote here to see what your supplies are worth.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws can vary by state and change over time. Never sell supplies obtained through Medicare, Medicaid, or any government program, and verify your local regulations if you are unsure.
Ready to turn your extra supplies into cash? Get your free quote from Diabetic Dollars Direct — free prepaid shipping, payment within 24 hours, and a $20 bonus on your first payout.