TUCSON, Ariz. - Since 2014, some commonly prescribed insulins have experienced huge price hikes. But there’s good news: Consumer Reports investigative reporter, Lisa Gill says, there are ways to find affordable insulin.
“If you're insured and have a high deductible plan, new federal rules might mean that you just pay a low copay and not the full amount," says Gill. "For example, if you're insured by Cigna, you could get insulin for just $25. Check with your insurer.”
If your insurance company has not yet set low or zero copays, or if you don’t have insurance, consider an authorized generic insulin.
“Some companies have an "authorized generic," which is cheaper. Eli Lilly’s authorized generic version of Humalog, called insulin lispro is half the price at just $150 per month," says Gill.
And if you have to stick with a branded insulin, there are some lower-cost options now available. You could also consider human insulin. Novo Nordisk's human insulin is available at certain pharmacies for about $25, depending on your insurance status and plan. If you don’t have insurance, see if the insulin manufacturer has a patient assistance program where you could get it for free, if you qualify.
Consumer Reports also says you can look into diabetes clinics and diabetes-specific organizations within your state or county to find low or no-cost insulin. You can find one near you by going to Needymeds.com for free help.
