Millions of individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes need insulin every day to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range. In recent decades, it has grown increasingly difficult for many to access this life-saving medication, as insulin prices continue to rise. Take a look at these recent statistics:
The cost of insulin increased by an average of 14% every year from 2012 to 2018.
In 2017, insulin accounted for 20% of all diabetes-related healthcare spending before rebates and discounts and 6.3% after rebates and discounts.
In a 2018 survey on insulin affordability conducted by the American Diabetes Association, 39% of the respondents reported an increase in their insulin costs between 2017 and 2018.
Rising insulin costs can significantly impact an individual’s ability to manage their health. 27% of those surveyed by the ADA said that insulin prices affected how much of the medication they could buy or use. Missed insulin doses can lead to serious health complications including diabetic ketoacidosis.
While insulin access remains a critical issue for many Americans with diabetes, lawmakers have recognized the urgency of lowering insulin costs. In November 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, which caps out-of-pocket copays for insulin at $35 per month. The legislation has yet to pass in the U.S. Senate, but President Joe Biden recently reaffirmed his commitment to lowering insulin costs — and prescription medication costs more broadly — as part of his domestic agenda.
In the meantime, there are a variety of resources to help you manage the costs of insulin, including patient assistance programs and copay savings cards from insulin manufacturers. Here’s more on eligibility for these programs.
Patient Assistance Programs
The Lilly Cares® Foundation Patient Assistance Program
The Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program provides free insulin and glucagon products for individuals who have Medicare Part D or no health insurance coverage and meet certain income requirements.
Learn more about program terms and conditions and the application process.
The Novo Nordisk® Patient Assistance Program
The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program provides insulin and other diabetes medications at no cost to individuals who have Medicare or no health insurance coverage and whose total household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
Learn more about program terms and conditions and the application process.
Sanofi Patient Connection®
Sanofi Patient Connection provides Sanofi medications including insulin at no cost to individuals whose total household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
Learn more about program terms and conditions and the application process.
Copay savings cards
The Lilly Insulin Value Program
The Lilly Insulin Value Program offers all Lilly insulins at $35 per month to individuals with commercial health insurance or no health insurance coverage. Download the copay card here.
Sanofi savings opportunities
Sanofi offers a copay savings card for those with insurance as well as the Valyou Savings Program for those without insurance, which offers Sanofi insulin at $99 per month. Learn more about Sanofi savings opportunities.
Novo Nordisk savings opportunities
Novo Nordisk offers savings cards that reduce copays for a variety of insulin products. Get more details here.
Your financial well-being is our priority
At Alto, we understand how stressful it can be to navigate insurance coverage benefits and savings opportunities. We prioritize your financial wellness, working with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to make your insulin and other medications as affordable as possible. In addition to automatically applying any coupon savings, we’ll connect you with any outside programs that require you to apply directly.
We also offer free, same-day delivery to simplify your diabetes management, and our dedicated diabetes support team is here to answer any questions you may have. Get started or learn more about Alto, reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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