5 quick tips to save on insulin costs

Whether you're newly diagnosed or managing diabetes long-term, knowing how insulin pricing works and what your health plan covers can help you save.

Before you fill your next insulin prescription, take a moment to ask these five questions to better understand your costs, and make sure you're not paying more than you need to.

1. Why is insulin so expensive?

Insulin pricing is complex. The price you see at the pharmacy counter often includes hidden cost drivers like pharmacy markups, fees and manufacturer rebates that can inflate what you pay out-of-pocket.

Tip: Look for programs like Civica’s insulin initiative, which bypass hidden markups by offering a transparent price—no more than $55 retail for a box of five pens (biosimilars of Lantus, Humalog and Novolog).

2. Have you checked your BCBS portal?

Check with your insurance company to understand which insulins are covered and the expected co-pay for each.

Before heading to the pharmacy, log into your BCBS member portal. You can:

• Compare insulin prices across pharmacies.
• See if your plan covers generic or biosimilar insulin.
• Check if you’ve met your deductible or if other cost sharing applies.
• Take advantage of a $35 monthly cap on Medicare Part D insulin under the Inflation Reduction Act.¹

This step alone could save you hundreds each year.

3. Could mail-order or specialty pharmacies save you more?

Mail-order and specialty pharmacies often offer lower prices, especially for long-term prescriptions. Some BCBS Plans waive copays or offer discounts when you use preferred mail-order services.

• Mail-Order Pharmacies deliver prescription medications and some diabetes supplies by mail directly to your home.
• Specialty Pharmacies provide specialized services and support for complex, chronic conditions, including diabetes. They may deliver medications to you by retail or mail order.

4. Is your insulin on a discount program?

Some drug companies offer copay cards or patient assistance programs that can lower your out-of-pocket costs, sometimes even reducing the price to nearly zero, depending on your eligibility. Copay cards typically require commercial health insurance, while uninsured patients may qualify for separate patient assistance programs.

However, these programs can change without notice, and they’re not available to people with government insurance (like Medicare or Medicaid) due to anti-kickback laws.² When manufacturer assistance ends, many people find it difficult to afford their insulin.

5. What Is BCBS doing to help?

BCBS companies are tackling affordability head-on through partnerships like Civica and CivicaScript. These initiatives aim to:

• Manufacture and distribute insulin and other generics at cost
• Eliminate hidden rebates and markups
• Pass savings directly to consumers

By using the tools and resources available through your BCBS Plan, you can take control of your costs and find options that work for you. Get tips on pricing, coverage and new affordable options like Civica insulin by visiting your BCBS Plan.