Is It Legal to Sell Diabetic Test Strips? A Complete Guide

If you have unused diabetic test strips sitting in a drawer, you might be wondering what to do with them. Maybe your doctor changed your prescription. Maybe a loved one passed away and left supplies behind. Whatever the reason, selling those strips is a smart option — and yes, it is generally legal to do so.

But there are important rules to understand before you sell. This guide walks you through everything you need to know so you can sell safely and confidently.

The Short Answer: Yes, Selling Unused Test Strips Is Legal

Selling unopened, unexpired diabetic test strips to a third-party buyer is legal in most situations. Private individuals are allowed to sell surplus medical supplies they no longer need. This happens every day across the United States.

The key word is unopened. Strips must be in their original, sealed packaging to be resold. Open boxes or damaged packages cannot be accepted by reputable buyers.

What Makes a Sale Legal

For a sale to be legal, a few basic conditions must be met:

• The strips must be unexpired
• The strips must be in original, sealed packaging
• The strips must not have been obtained through Medicaid or VA benefits (more on that below)
• You must be selling as a private individual, not as an unlicensed business

As long as these conditions are met, you are free to sell your surplus test strips and receive payment.

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When Selling Test Strips Becomes Illegal

There are specific situations where selling test strips crosses a legal line. It is important to understand these so you stay protected.

Selling Medicaid-Funded Supplies

This is the big one. If your test strips were paid for by Medicaid, you cannot legally sell them. Reselling Medicaid-funded supplies is considered fraud and can result in serious penalties, including fines and criminal charges.

The American Diabetes Association and federal agencies are clear that Medicaid benefits are meant for personal use only. Misusing them puts your benefits and legal standing at risk.

Selling VA-Provided Supplies

Similarly, supplies provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs are government-funded and cannot be legally resold. If you received your test strips through VA benefits, please do not attempt to sell them.

Selling Expired or Tampered Products

Selling expired test strips or strips with damaged packaging is not just illegal in many cases — it is also dangerous. Expired strips can give inaccurate readings, which can harm someone managing their diabetes. Reputable buyers will reject these items anyway, so there is no upside to trying.

Selling as an Unlicensed Business

There is a difference between a private individual selling surplus supplies and someone running an unlicensed resale business. If you are regularly acquiring and reselling large quantities of test strips for profit without proper licensing, that may raise legal issues under state and federal regulations.

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Why People Have Extra Test Strips to Sell

It is more common than you might think to end up with a surplus of diabetic supplies. Here are some of the most frequent reasons:

Changed Prescriptions or Meters

Your doctor may have switched you to a different glucose meter. The old test strips that only work with your previous device are now useless to you — but they may be exactly what someone else needs.

Insurance Sends More Than You Use

Many insurance plans automatically send monthly supplies. If you are managing your blood sugar well or using a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) more often, those strips can pile up fast.

A Family Member Passed Away

Losing a loved one who had diabetes often leaves families with boxes of unused supplies. Selling those supplies is a meaningful way to make sure they do not go to waste — and to recover some money during a difficult time.

According to the CDC, over 38 million Americans have diabetes. With that many people managing the condition, surplus supplies are an everyday reality across the country.

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How to Sell Your Test Strips Safely and Get Paid

Once you know your strips are legally eligible to sell, the process is simple. Here is what to look for in a trustworthy buyer.

Choose a Reputable Buyer

Look for a buyer who is transparent about pricing, has clear terms, and pays promptly. Avoid anyone who asks you to ship first without giving you a quote. A legitimate buyer will tell you exactly what your strips are worth before you send anything.

View Price List to see what your specific brand of test strips is worth today.

Check the Expiration Date and Packaging

Before reaching out to any buyer, check that your strips are unexpired and still sealed in their original boxes. Buyers like MySurplusRx.com will check these things upon receipt, so it is best to verify upfront.

Know How You Will Get Paid

Reputable buyers offer multiple payment options so you can choose what works best for you. MySurplusRx.com pays sellers via Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or check — whichever is most convenient.

Get a Free Quote to find out what your unused strips are worth right now.

What Brands Are Accepted

Most major brands are accepted, including OneTouch, Accu-Chek, FreeStyle, Contour, and Bayer. The price varies by brand and quantity, so checking the price list is always a good first step.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to sell diabetic test strips online?

Yes, selling diabetic test strips online is legal as long as the strips are unopened, unexpired, and were not purchased or obtained through Medicaid or VA benefits. Selling to a licensed third-party buyer is the safest and most straightforward option.

Can I sell test strips that were covered by Medicare?

This is a gray area, and we recommend caution. If your Medicare plan paid for your strips, it is best to consult with a legal or healthcare advisor before selling. Medicaid-funded strips, however, are clearly off-limits for resale.

How much money can I get for unused test strips?

Payment depends on the brand, quantity, and expiration date. Some popular brands can bring in $10–$50 per box or more. View Price List to see current rates for your specific strips.

What happens if I send expired strips?

Reputable buyers will reject expired strips and return them or dispose of them. You will not receive payment for expired inventory. Always check dates before shipping.

How long does the selling process take?

Most sellers receive payment within a few days of the buyer receiving their package. MySurplusRx.com aims to pay quickly so you are not waiting around for your money.

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About MySurplusRx.com

MySurplusRx.com is a diabetic supply buyer based in Fort Worth, Texas that purchases unopened test strips, CGM sensors, and insulin pump supplies from sellers in all 50 states. MySurplusRx.com pays sellers using popular methods including Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and check, making it easy to receive payment no matter where you live. MySurplusRx.com has helped hundreds of individuals, families, and caregivers turn unused diabetic supplies into fast, fair cash payments.

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Ready to Sell Your Unused Test Strips?

Selling your surplus diabetic test strips is legal, simple, and worth doing. As long as your strips are unopened, unexpired, and were not funded by Medicaid or VA benefits, you are good to go.

Do not let those boxes sit in a drawer collecting dust. Turn them into money today with a buyer you can trust.

Get a Free Quote and find out exactly what your unused test strips are worth. The process takes just a few minutes, and payment is fast.