This can lead to dire complications like amputations, heart disease, kidney failure, and vision issues.

This article covers insulin prices, factors that affect them, and how to lower insulin costs for yourself.

All three major insulin manufacturers offer patient assistance programs, including emergency supplies.

Person injecting themselves with insulin

Caíque de Abreu / Getty Images

Taking prescription insulin regulates blood sugar after meals or throughout someone’s day, depending on the patient.

Skipping insulin doses or taking less than the recommended daily dose can be risky.

However, self-insured plans, like many plans chosen by employees at large companies, are excluded.

Each manufacturer also announced they would be capping out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 per month.

Buying Generics

Ask your pharmacist about switching to generics to save.

Some authorized generics might not be covered by insurance, however, they may be cheaper.

FSAs can reimburse you for out-of-pocket costs for insulin.

Ask your employer for how to submit reimbursements for insulin costs that aren’t covered by insurance.

Summary

There are ways to save on insulin costs, even without insurance.

If you are insured by an employer, flexible spending accounts can also help cover insulin costs.

In addition, three companies control 96% of the global insulin market.

A 2018 study found a vial of insulin costs approximately $2 to $6 to make.

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