How much do people pay out-of-pocket for insulin?

Asked by: Lourdes Simonis  |  Last update: November 5, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (7 votes)

From 2014 to 2019, the average annual insulin price rose 55% from $3,819 to $5,917 (Table 1). Monthly out-of-pocket cost for insulin in the covered phase increased 18% from $49 to $58. Accounting for all Part D phases, the projected yearly out-of-pocket cost for insulin increased 11% from $1,199 to $1,329.

How much insulin is out-of-pocket per month?

As of March 1, 2023: Lilly is expanding its Insulin Value Program that caps out-of-pocket insulin costs for legal U.S. residents to $35 or less per month. Whether you have commercial insurance or no insurance, you can fill your monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35 or less.

Can you really get insulin at Walmart for $25?

VERIFY: Yes, Walmart Does Sell $25 Insulin Without Prescription Or Insurance. You ask; we VERIFY. Does Walmart sell inexpensive insulin without a prescription or insurance?

How much does the average person spend on insulin?

Average out-of-pocket spending per insulin prescription was $54 in 2020 – over 50% more than the proposed $35 monthly copay cap for insulin – but spending on many insulin products was higher.

How much does insulin cost at CVS?

CVS members on average pay less than $25 for insulin, according the company, which added that it negotiates deep discounts for its clients.

Eli Lilly to cap insulin out-of-pocket cost at $35 a month

30 related questions found

Why is insulin so expensive without insurance?

The increase in expenditures for insulin was primarily due to the change in prescribing from less expensive animal and human insulins to more expensive insulin analogs and by an increase in the price of all available insulins.

Is 20 units of insulin a lot?

Basal insulin is usually started at a low dose (10 to 20 units) and then increased gradually to determine the right dose for an individual. Using a combination of treatments (ie, an oral or injectable non-insulin medication plus insulin) generally lowers the dose of insulin compared with taking insulin only.

How much is insulin at Walmart?

Available exclusively through Walmart's private ReliOn brand, the new offering includes analog insulin vials ($72.88) and FlexPen® ($85.88).

What is the cost of insulin for diabetics?

The cost of insulin injections in India can vary depending on the type of insulin, brand, and dosage prescribed. On average, a vial of insulin may cost between INR 150 to INR 500, and the monthly cost for insulin therapy can range from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 or more, depending on the specific insulin regimen.

Do diabetics get free prescriptions?

If you take diabetes medicine, you're entitled to free prescriptions for all your medicines, including medicines for other conditions. To claim your free prescriptions, you'll need to apply for an exemption certificate. To apply for an exemption certificate: fill in an FP92A form at your GP surgery.

What can I do if I can't afford my insulin?

You can find help through private or government health insurance, local programs, patient support groups, and medicine-assistance programs. You can also find ways to save money on diabetes medicines and supplies.

How to get insulin cheaply?

If you are uninsured, you may be able to get your insulin at a more affordable price or even for free with the help of a savings card or community health center. Insulin manufacturers also offer patient assistance programs that could help you save money.

Does GoodRx sell insulin?

Shop around. GoodRx offers discounts on insulin drugs, which can save you as much as 50% off the full retail price. At goodrx.com, you can also compare insulin prices at different pharmacies in your area and find information about discount programs at specific pharmacies. Appeal your coverage.

Does Walmart have insulin for $25?

The retailer had already been selling a $25 version of insulin, but it is an older formulation that some doctors and advocates argue is not as effective in managing blood sugars as newer versions, known as analogs. Intervening to reduce drug prices is also part of Walmart's larger disruption strategy in health care.

How long does one vial of insulin last?

The ADA guidelines reference throwing out insulin vials after 1 month. The manufacturers list 28 days.

How many insulin injections per day?

People with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin every day, often up to 4 or 5 times per day. They may use a pump to deliver insulin which means they insert a new cannula (very fine plastic tube) under the skin every 2 to 3 days.

Is insulin cheaper than metformin?

These findings suggested that metformin is a cost-effective option than insulin. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis showed that the model was robust.

Why is insulin so expensive?

How did insulin get so expensive? For decades, insulin manufacturers have claimed that their high prices are necessary to spur innovation and investment in research and development.

Does insurance cover insulin?

It's important to know that insurance plans don't always cover every available insulin, and yours may not be covered. You will need to check the formulary to see whether your insulin is covered and, if so, on which tier.

What is the 3-hour rule for insulin?

Rapid-acting insulin begins to work about 15 minutes after injection, peaks in about 1 hour, and continues to work for 2 to 4 hours. The three-hour rule prevents “insulin stacking” and a low blood glucose (BG) or hypoglycemia.

What happens if I eat immediately after taking insulin?

Using a blood test that measures average glucose levels over time, the researchers found that all the participants had generally higher than ideal blood sugar levels - but the difference in those levels between periods when they waited or didn't wait to eat after insulin injections was a negligible 0.08 percent.