Can you still get insulin for $35?


Editorial team Published on

Insulin is capped at $35 a month only for people on Medicare, while others may still face higher prices depending on their insurance or lack of it.

Who Pays $35 or Less

  • Medicare Enrollees: Under federal law from the Inflation Reduction Act, out-of-pocket costs for covered insulin are capped at no more than $35 per month under Medicare Part D and Part B, with no deductible.
  • Major Manufacturer Programs: Major drug makers like Eli Lilly and Company cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for eligible commercial insurance or uninsured patients using their savings cards and participating pharmacies.
  • State Caps: About 30 states have individual laws capping 30-day supplies at varying amounts (such as $100) for state-regulated commercial insurance plans.

Who Does Not Automatically Get the $35 Cap

  • Uninsured and Privately Insured: There is no universal federal law capping prices for people with private commercial insurance or those who are uninsured, though federal lawmakers have introduced new bills like the INSULIN Act to expand the $35 limit.
  • Retail Options: Uninsured or underinsured individuals often must rely on specific manufacturer discount cards, generic/non-branded alternatives, or discount retail pharmacy channels to find prices at or below $35.