Buying insulin without insurance can be cheaper in some cases, but it depends heavily on the type of insulin, the quantity needed, and the availability of discount programs or assistance. Without insurance, the retail price of insulin can be quite high, but there are ways to reduce costs significantly.
Insulin prices vary widely by brand and formulation. For example, a 3 mL pen of Tresiba Flextouch (insulin degludec) without insurance can cost around $145, which breaks down to about 48 cents per unit. However, a generic version of insulin degludec can be found for about $55 per pen, or 18 cents per unit, which is substantially cheaper. Other long-acting insulins like Basaglar KwikPen cost about $95 for a 300-unit pen (32 cents per unit), and a vial of generic Lantus (insulin glargine) can cost around $320 for 10 mL (also about 32 cents per unit). These prices illustrate that buying insulin without insurance can be expensive but choosing generics or vial forms for syringe use can lower the cost per unit significantly.
Many people without insurance rely on patient assistance programs (PAPs) offered by insulin manufacturers. These programs can provide insulin for free or at a reduced cost if you meet income eligibility requirements. Each manufacturer has its own PAP with varying application processes, but they generally require a prescription and proof of income. These programs are crucial for uninsured patients to access insulin affordably and avoid dangerous rationing or skipping doses.
Discount cards and coupons are another way to reduce insulin costs without insurance. Prescription discount cards like SingleCare can lower the price of a Tresiba Flextouch pen from $145 to as low as $37. Similarly, savings cards from manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Sanofi Aventis can reduce copays to $35 or less per month, sometimes even for those without insurance. These cards can be used at many pharmacies and often provide substantial savings compared to retail prices.
It’s important to note that Medicare has implemented a cap on out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month for beneficiaries, but this benefit does not extend to those without insurance. For uninsured individuals, the cost savings come primarily from generics, assistance programs, and discount cards rather than government price caps.
The overall cost of managing diabetes without insurance can be high. For people with type 1 diabetes, who are insulin-dependent, annual costs can range from $6,000 to $15,000, while type 2 diabetes treatment costs vary from $3,000 to $8,000 per year depending on medication needs. Insulin is a significant part of these expenses, so finding ways to reduce insulin costs is critical for uninsured patients.
In summary, while insulin without insurance can be expensive at retail prices, uninsured patients can often find cheaper options through generic insulins, patient assistance programs, and discount cards. These resources can make insulin more affordable and accessible, helping to prevent dangerous rationing and ensure proper diabetes management.
