- βNo income requirements for commercially insured patients
- βCovers a wide range of Lilly insulin products including Humalog and Basaglar
- βEasy enrollment with a simple savings card available online and at pharmacies
What Is the Eli Lilly Insulin Value Program?
Managing diabetes can be expensive, but Eli Lilly has taken a significant step to make insulin more affordable. The Eli Lilly Insulin Value Program caps the out-of-pocket cost of Lilly insulin at $35 per month for eligible patients. Whether you have insurance, use a flexible spending account (FSA), or are paying entirely out of pocket, this program could dramatically reduce your monthly insulin expenses.
Which Insulins Are Covered?
The Eli Lilly Insulin Value Program applies to all Lilly insulin products dispensed at participating pharmacies. Covered insulins include:
- Humalog (insulin lispro) β fast-acting insulin
- Basaglar (insulin glargine) β long-acting insulin
- Humulin β intermediate and short-acting insulin options
- Rezvoglar β an interchangeable biosimilar to Lantus
- Lyumjev β ultra rapid-acting insulin
This wide range of coverage ensures that most patients using Lilly brand insulin can benefit from the capped pricing, regardless of their specific insulin regimen.
Who Is Eligible for the $35 Insulin Program?
One of the best features of this program is its broad eligibility. The Eli Lilly Insulin Value Program is available to:
- Patients with commercial insurance or employer-sponsored health plans
- Patients who are uninsured or underinsured
- Individuals using FSA or HSA funds for their prescriptions
- Medicare Part D enrollees (note: Lilly offers separate assistance for Medicare patients)
Unlike many assistance programs, there are no income requirements for the commercial insurance version of this program, making it accessible to a wider population of insulin-dependent patients.
How to Get $35 Insulin Through the Program
Getting started with the Eli Lilly Insulin Value Program is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website: Go to insulinaffordability.com or the Eli Lilly website to access the savings card or enrollment portal.
- Download or print your savings card: The Lilly Insulin Value Program savings card can be obtained online, through your doctor's office, or directly at participating pharmacies.
- Present the card at the pharmacy: Show your Lilly savings card alongside your prescription at any participating pharmacy. The card will automatically apply the discount.
- Pay $35 or less: Your monthly insulin cost will be capped at $35 for a 30-day supply, regardless of the number of vials or pens needed.
It is important to confirm that your pharmacy participates in the program. Most major retail pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid, are participating locations.
How This Program Interacts With Insurance and FSAs
If you have commercial insurance, the savings card works as a secondary payer. Your insurance is billed first, and then the Lilly card covers any remaining balance up to the $35 cap. This means you should always present your insurance card alongside your Lilly savings card.
For those using an FSA or HSA, insulin is a qualified medical expense, so you can use pre-tax dollars to cover your $35 copay. This combination can make insulin costs even more manageable on an annual basis. If you are uninsured, the $35 cap applies directly at the point of sale without needing to go through an insurer.
Eli Lilly's Commitment to Insulin Affordability
In 2023, Eli Lilly made headlines by announcing a 70% reduction in the list price of its most commonly used insulins. This move was paired with the expansion of the Insulin Value Program, reinforcing the company's commitment to ensuring patients are not forced to ration insulin due to cost. The $35 cap builds a critical safety net for patients navigating complex insurance landscapes.
Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
- Always carry your Lilly savings card to the pharmacy
- Ask your doctor about switching to a Lilly insulin if cost is a barrier
- Combine FSA dollars with the savings card for maximum benefit
- Check insulinaffordability.com regularly for program updates
- Contact Lilly directly at 1-800-545-5979 if you experience any issues at the pharmacy
Final Thoughts
The Eli Lilly Insulin Value Program is a meaningful solution for millions of Americans living with diabetes. By capping monthly insulin costs at $35 and removing income barriers, Lilly has created one of the most accessible insulin affordability programs available today. If you or a loved one uses Lilly insulin, enrolling in this program could save hundreds β or even thousands β of dollars each year.
