BCBS companies expand lower-cost insulin

For millions of people living with diabetes, insulin is a life-saving medication. Yet high costs have forced many to skip doses or go without—to the detriment of patient health. That changed on Jan. 1, 2026, as Civica^® affordable insulin pens became available.

We’re laser-focused on lowering health care costs, and our partnership with CivicaScript^® is central to that mission. Together, we’re driving innovation in prescription drug pricing and expanding access to essential treatments.

Lowest list price in the market

Civica’s insulin glargine-yfgn is available to pharmacies at a wholesale acquisition cost of $45 for five pens, with a consumer-facing price capped at $55 per box—the lowest list price in the current long-acting insulin market. Patients typically pay $150–$500 for a box of long-acting insulin pens from major brands, depending on the brand and pharmacy.

Unlike traditional pricing models, CivicaScript’s transparent approach avoids hidden rebates and markups that often inflate costs for consumers.

Designed to provide a reliable, low-cost insulin option that improves access for patients, this milestone reflects the strength of CivicaScript's collaboration with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and several Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies.

"Our partnership with CivicaScript is already making a real impact on people's lives by helping them access lower cost medications," said David Yoder, SVP of BCBSA and a member of the Civica board.

Building on CivicaScript’s momentum and what’s in store for 2026

As part of our commitment to affordable medications, BCBSA and a number of BCBS companies helped create CivicaScript, Civica’s outpatient-focused arm that brings lower-cost generics and biosimilars directly to consumers. The January insulin launch builds on this progress. Also starting in January, patients with certain autoimmune conditions will have access to ustekinumab-aauz, a Stelara biosimilar, distributed through CivicaScript. 

• Patients using its abiraterone acetate for prostate cancer saved 64% compared with generic abiraterone from other sources, according to 2024 data and study results published in The New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst.

• Five generic medications launched, including abiraterone, dalfampridine, droxidopa, dimethyl fumarate and capecitabine to treat conditions and diseases such as prostate cancer and multiple sclerosis.

• Additional insulin options underway, with biosimilars—glargine, lispro and aspart—expected for brands like Lantus, Humalog and Novolog.

• More launches anticipated in 2026, expanding access to affordable treatments for a variety of conditions.

Civica and CivicaScript continue to expand their portfolios of affordable generics and biosimilars, reshaping the prescription drug landscape and improving access for millions of people.

"Through the partnership we formed with CivicaScript more than six years ago, BCBSA and BCBS Plans are making an impact on the prescription drug affordability crisis, providing lifesaving medications, now to include insulin, at a price people can afford," said BCBSA President and CEO Kim Keck.

"Further, CivicaScript's Maximum Retail Price policy introduced an unparalleled degree of transparency, with QR codes that anyone can scan on every product label. For health care providers, caregivers and patients, the ability to immediately compare drug prices is a game changer."

Partnering with Civica and CivicaScript helps BCBSA advance our roadmap to reduce costs by nearly $1 trillion over the next decade. The solutions target the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs and support reforms that improve access to safe, affordable generic and biosimilar alternatives. Banning pharmaceutical companies’ profit-driven pricing schemes could save patients, families and taxpayers $324 billion over 10 years.