MILPITAS, Calif., March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll, the majority of U.S. adults are worried about being able to afford medical care and prescription medications.(1) In addition, a recent study reveals that one in seven children and working-age Americans went without needed prescription medications in 2007 due to cost concerns, up from one in 10 in 2003. Experts predict these statistics are likely to get worse in 2009, and this could present even greater hardships for those Americans with chronic conditions, such as diabetes.(2)

"People with diabetes are especially challenged because their healthcare costs are twice as high as those of people without diabetes," said Dr. Alan Cariski, Vice President of Worldwide Medical Safety and External Affairs at LifeScan, maker of OneTouch(R) Brand Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems. "While it may be tempting to cut back on healthcare spending by skipping medications or reducing blood glucose testing, we're working to remind people how important it is to follow the diabetes care regimen recommended by their healthcare professional to help safeguard their health."

To help people with diabetes get the most value for their healthcare dollar, OneTouch has teamed with consumer advocate and syndicated columnist, Jim Miller.

"In a time when we're all cutting back, it's getting harder and harder to find significant savings from just one area," said Miller, who is also a frequent contributor to NBC's 'Today' show. "The key is to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible which can add up to big savings over the course of a year."

Miller and OneTouch offer the following tips, which include ways to reduce co-pays and find savings through employers and lifestyle modifications - all of which can help you maintain your physical and financial health.

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