I’m late relaying this information, but it is important, and
might help you or someone you know.
Insulin prices have tripled in price in the last 10 years.
It’s not right, and it’s complicated. But Eli Lilly has extended an olive
branch of sorts to indicate they are listening and know the cost of insulin is hurting
individuals and families.
The olive branch comes in the form of a 40% discount off the
retail price of their insulin. For those that pay cash for insulin, or have
high deductible plans, this just may be a way to get through these troubling
times.
Eli Lilly Diabetes has partnered with a website called
“Blink Health.” If you go to the website HERE and register (for free,) you can
purchase your insulin with the 40% discount and then bring your electronic
receipt to almost any pharmacy to pick up your insulin. It’s really supposed to
be that easy.
If you get to the pharmacy and find that your insurance
actually does cover the insulin, or you can get it for less, the website will
refund your money.
You can do this with almost any insurance, unless you’re on
a government sponsored insurance plan. (Apparently there are too many
regulations for this to be allowed.) The only unknown is if your insurance will
allow you to put this purchase towards your deductible. That is something you
will need to call your insurance to find out. Technically, this purchase on Blink Health works outside the insurance
industry so you won’t need to provide any insurance information to purchase the
insulin. You will need to have a prescription on file with your pharmacy
though.
You can leave any questions you might have in the comments
section and I’ll do the best I can to answer them. I have contacts at Eli Lilly
Diabetes if the question is out of my depth.
I went on the website today and found a vial of Humalog
insulin to be $174.34. There is also a $5 discount that will be applied for
your first order.
This in no way solves the insulin-pricing crisis, but it
helps. And that is what we asked for: help. Thank you Eli Lilly. I hope Novo
Nordisk and others look to follow suit.
