If your insulin costs more than $35 a month, here is how to get that price at the pharmacy.
The three pharmaceutical companies that produce most of the insulin used in the United States — Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk — have all reduced insulin prices significantly since 2023, and two of them now offer savings programs that cap monthly costs at $35 for patients regardless of insurance status. Federal law independently limits what Medicare Part D plans can charge for insulin to the same amount. For most people with diabetes who use insulin, paying more than $35 a month is now avoidable.
This page covers the $35 cap programs from each major manufacturer, explains who qualifies for each one, and provides the websites and phone numbers to enroll. If you are looking for programs that provide insulin at no cost — not discounted, but free — those are covered separately at the how to get free insulin page.
- NOTE: Any information on this site related to insulin or other health care topics is provided to help you locate assistance programs. It should not be taken as medical advice. For questions about your health or treatment, speak with a qualified health care professional.
Eli Lilly: $35 for commercially insured and uninsured patients
The Lilly Insulin Value Program caps monthly out-of-pocket costs at $35 for all Lilly insulin products, including Humalog, Humulin, Basaglar, and non-branded insulin lispro. The cap applies whether you have commercial insurance or no insurance at all, with no limit on the number of vials or pens needed to fill your monthly prescription.
For commercially insured patients, the $35 cap is applied automatically at most retail pharmacies. You do not need to sign up or carry a card — it happens at the register. If your pharmacy is not set up for the automatic price, or if you are paying out of pocket without insurance, you can download a free savings card at https://insulins.lilly.com/lilly-insulin-value-program or call 833-808-1234. The download takes a few minutes and the card works at most retail pharmacies nationwide.
Federal law excludes people covered by Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and other government health programs from using the Lilly savings card. Medicare patients have a separate protection described below. Medicaid patients should check with their state plan, as cost-sharing for insulin varies.
Sanofi: $35 for everyone, including Medicare patients
The Insulins Valyou Savings Program is a flat $35 per month for all Sanofi insulins, available to any patient with a valid prescription regardless of insurance status. This includes patients with commercial insurance, patients without insurance, and Medicare beneficiaries. Covered insulins include Lantus, Toujeo, Apidra, Admelog, and Merilog. To receive the $35 monthly rate, all Sanofi insulin prescriptions must be filled together in the same transaction each month.
To enroll or get a savings card, visit https://www.sanofipatientconnection.com/ or call 1-888-847-4877. Spanish-language support is available at 855-706-4473.
One detail that matters for Medicare patients using this program: because the IVSP operates outside your Part D coverage, the $35 you pay will not count toward your Medicare deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. If you take multiple prescription medications and are tracking your annual out-of-pocket limit, it may make more financial sense to use your Part D plan's built-in $35 cap instead, described in the Medicare section below. Either way, your monthly insulin cost should be $35.
Novo Nordisk: reduced prices and a free insulin program for those who qualify
Novo Nordisk reduced the list prices of its most commonly used insulins significantly in 2024 — NovoLog dropped by 75% and Novolin by 65%. These reductions lower out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy for many patients, though the actual amount you pay depends on your insurance plan and pharmacy.
Novo Nordisk also runs a Patient Assistance Program through its NovoCare service that provides insulin at no cost for qualifying patients who are uninsured or on Medicare and meet income requirements. Because that program delivers free medication rather than a discount, it is covered in full on the needhelppayingbills free insulin page. You can also contact NovoCare directly at https://www.novocare.com/ or by calling 1-866-310-7549, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
Medicare Part D: $35 is the legal limit
Since January 1, 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act has capped insulin costs at $35 per month for everyone enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. This applies throughout the entire coverage year, including what used to be called the donut hole, and covers all insulin products listed on your plan's formulary. Nothing needs to be activated separately — if you have Part D and your insulin is on formulary, the $35 limit is automatic. If you are being charged more than $35 for covered insulin, contact your plan and ask them to correct the billing.
Most major Part D carriers, including Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross plans, apply this cap without requiring any action from the patient. If you are not yet on a Part D plan or are choosing between plans at open enrollment, look for one that covers your specific insulin brand. If needed, get guidance on selecting a Medicare Part D plan.
Watch out for enrollment scams
Legitimate manufacturer savings programs are free to join and do not require any payment to enroll. Anyone who contacts you offering to enroll you in an insulin savings program in exchange for an upfront fee, your bank account number, or your Medicare ID number is running a scam. The real programs are accessible directly through the manufacturer websites and phone numbers listed on this page. If someone approaches you about a third-party enrollment service, check the company at https://www.bbb.org/ before sharing any personal information.
Disclaimer: The programs described on this page are operated by private pharmaceutical companies and are subject to change without notice. Verify current eligibility requirements, covered insulin products, and pricing directly with the manufacturer before relying on any specific details. This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
Need help navigating programs?