8 solutions for obtaining expensive insulin

Expensive insulin can be a serious barrier to health and well-being for people with type 1 diabetes and other types of insulin-dependent diabetes. Understanding the costs of insulin is one thing, but knowing how to navigate the system to find solutions is another.

Both insured and uninsured people may struggle to afford their life-sustaining medications and supplies, so it's important to know what support and resources are available to help fill the gap. Whether you live with diabetes or care for someone who does, here are eight potential solutions for obtaining expensive insulin.

1. Talk to your team

Sometimes finding more affordable insulin is a matter of asking for help. It's important to let your physician, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and/or pharmacist know that you're struggling to afford your medications. Also, let them know the status of your health insurance coverage (or lack thereof).

Many manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs typically have fine print that excludes or changes the terms of assistance for people who are uninsured. So, it's important that your care team knows your situation so they can help you successfully access your insulin. After all, they're there to support you!

2. Look for manufacturer coupons

If you find that your insulin is more expensive than what you anticipated, ask your pharmacist if there's a manufacturer coupon — sometimes known as a "copay card" — in the system that can be applied. You can also look for these online and in your doctor's office.

3. Understand your coverage

If you have health insurance, you can ask your prescribing physician about using the insulin that's on your formulary, which can help maximize your insurance coverage and save you money. A call to member services to ask for clarification and assistance in finding the most affordable way to access your insulin can also be a productive place to start.

4. Ask about biosimilars and generics

In recent years, changes in policy have allowed for the development of biosimilar insulin and generic insulin, both intended (although not yet proven) to help lower the cost for patients. Sanofi's Admelog rapid-acting insulin and Lilly's Basaglar long-acting insulin are examples of biosimilars, while Lilly's insulin lispro and Novo Nordisk's insulin aspart are examples of authorized generics available on the market. You may be able to get these at a reduced price compared to the reference drugs they're based on.

5. Explore savings programs and patient assistance

While some patient assistance programs have been criticized for being difficult to navigate and oftentimes not truly filling in where there's need, this type of offering may be able to help you in your unique situation. The only way to know is to find out, so search online at manufacturer sites to see what's available to you.

A coalition of diabetes organizations came together to create getinsulin.org as a resource to locate these types of patient assistance programs. Your insurance company may also have savings programs that can help, so take some time to look around.

6. Check eligibility for Medicaid and FQHC/340B pharmacy access

If you're uninsured, you may qualify for low or no-cost Medicaid coverage in your home state, which can help you access insulin more affordably. Additionally, individuals with low income may be able to seek care at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and receive their insulin at reduced or no cost through the 340B pharmacy program.

7. Get help from the community

The diabetes community is incredibly resourceful and supportive. Look into organizations such as Mutual Aid Diabetes and reach out to the diabetes online community who may be able to connect you to immediate help and provide additional suggestions to get you through a tough spot.

8. Consider an alternative (with guidance from a provider)

If you pursue the use of older insulins like Regular and NPH — which are available over the counter for $25 and are also known as "Walmart insulin" — it's important to be aware that these don't have the same dosing or the same duration of action as current analog insulins. You should avoid taking these types of insulin without oversight. Consult with the pharmacist or a knowledgeable healthcare provider to develop a safe plan for using these as a stopgap measure.

Staying safe and seeking long-term solutions

The pressure to find affordable insulin can feel immense because of the serious consequences associated with going without it. Remember to stay safe while you're figuring out your next steps. Rationing or skipping insulin doses is dangerous and not a viable solution.

If you find yourself in a medical emergency due to a lack of insulin, it's important to immediately seek care at a local emergency room or by calling 911.

Insulin pricing in the U.S. is confusing. We're here to help. You can learn more about the factors that influence the cost of insulin by exploring the Health Insights blog.