5 Ways to Help Patients Save on Insulin — With or Without Insurance

In the U.S., more than 8 million people use insulin. But affordability is a common problem. About 1 in 6 adults report rationing their medication because of the high costs.

Insulin has become more affordable in recent years, thanks in part to federal legislation that capped monthly insulin costs for Medicare enrollees. Insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk also lowered their prices. Now they offer many insulins for no more than $35 per month.

But many people with diabetes still struggle with the price of insulin. Here we’ll review ways in which you can help your patients get low-cost or even free insulin, whether or not they have insurance.

1. Health insurance plan

Health insurance is the first place to start. You can encourage your patients to review the list of currently covered medications on their insurer’s formulary. With that information at hand, they can compare prescription prices at retail and mail order pharmacies. 

If the preferred insulin brand isn’t covered, consider requesting a prior authorization for it if necessary, especially if it helps avoid switching brands.

If prior authorization is denied, the Affordable Care Act gives patients the right to submit an appeal. There are easy-to-follow instructions for your patients here, and you can assist them with documentation to help prove the medication is medically necessary. Appeals, unfortunately, can also be denied; so it’s helpful to set expectations with patients accordingly.

2. Manufacturer savings cards

A manufacturer savings card is a copay card from the manufacturer meant to lower out-of-pocket costs. They may work for those who have commercial insurance or pay cash, but they usually aren’t valid for people enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance. Cards can be printed from the manufacturer’s website, or digital versions are often accepted at the pharmacy.

3. Patient assistance programs

Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are offered by pharmaceutical companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. They typically offer free or reduced-cost medications to individuals who meet eligibility requirements. These include being:

• Uninsured or underinsured 

• Enrolled in Medicare Part D

• A U.S. resident

• In a household with an income that meets federal guidelines

Below are a few insulin manufacturers that offer help through their PAPs. All three patient assistance programs typically offer free insulin to uninsured enrollees. The benefit lasts for up to 12 consecutive months. People who have Medicare Part D are usually eligible for benefits for the full 12 months or until the end of the calendar year. Participants can typically reapply 30 to 60 days before their enrollment period ends.

4. Free GoodRx coupon

GoodRx coupons can also help people save on insulin, including those who don’t have insurance or have copays that are too high. For example, a 10 mL vial of generic Humalog 100 u/mL is as low as $34.11 at some pharmacies with a GoodRx coupon.

Here’s how to use a GoodRx coupon:

• Visit GoodRx.com or use the GoodRx mobile app.

• Enter the name of the prescribed insulin.

• Choose the dosage and quantity.

• Click on “Set Your Location” to find pharmacy discounts nearby.

• It’s a good idea to call the pharmacy with the coupon information before picking up in order to prevent any delays at checkout.

5. Additional insulin resources for people without insurance

There are many community health clinics and other organizations that provide low-cost or even free healthcare services to eligible people. This can sometimes include prescription medications like insulin.

Here are a few other resources:

• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): This government agency supports health centers that provide care on a sliding scale. They are required to offer affordable access to insulin even if someone doesn’t have insurance. Many of these clinics also participate in the 340B program, which helps lower medication costs. Anyone can use HRSA’s search tool to find a clinic nearby.

• National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics: This organization runs a searchable directory of free and low-cost clinics across the U.S. These clinics often provide medical care, prescription help, and other services to people without insurance or with limited income.

• NeedyMeds: The NeedyMeds website allows people to find patient assistance programs, discount cards, and clinic listings to help lower the cost of medications like insulin. Just type the name of the medication to see what help is available.

• Local Department of Health: State and/or county health departments may have a list of clinics and public health programs that offer free or low-cost services, including prescription help.

• 211.org: 211 connects users to local programs that offer financial help, including support with healthcare, medications, housing, food, and more. Search by ZIP code to find local resources, or call 211 to speak with someone who can help find low-cost or free services.

Emergency sources of insulin

There are a few options for those who need insulin in emergency situations. Here are a few resources that may help them access insulin quickly:

• GetInsulin.org: Offers direct support for people in urgent need of insulin. After entering a few details, users receive a personalized action plan — including options if insulin is needed within the next 7 days.

• Manufacturer immediate supply programs: Novo Nordisk offers a one-time immediate insulin supply that provides a short-term supply of insulin for free. It’s meant for people who might ration their insulin because they cannot afford more, and the supply usually lasts 30 days. Sanofi has a similar program for a 30-day supply of Sanofi Insulin at no cost.

• Lilly Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program: Minnesota residents may qualify for the state’s Urgent Need Program. It provides a one-time 30-day supply of insulin for a $35 copay to eligible residents with less than a 7-day supply. Proof of Minnesota residency and a valid prescription are required, and most people can use the program only once every 12 months.

• OTC insulins: Certain older insulins, such as Novolin R and Humulin N, can be purchased without a prescription. These are kept behind the pharmacy counter, so assistance from a pharmacist is required.

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Written by:

DeShena Woodard, BSN, RN

DeShena Woodard, BSN, RN, is a Texas-based registered nurse, freelance writer, financial freedom coach, and certified life coach. Writing about personal finance for more than 3 years, her advice has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, NerdWallet, Debt.com, GoBankingRates, the Balance, and also on her own website, ExtravagantlyBroke.com.

Edited by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

Reviewed by:

Farah Naz Khan, MD

Farah Naz Khan, MD, is a board-certified physician at the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute and a clinical assistant professor of metabolism, endocrinology, and nutrition at the University of Washington.

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