Insulin is a vital hormone for the human body, as you can’t survive without it. It’s responsible for regulating blood sugar (glucose) in our bodies. For a diabetic person to miss insulin treatments that’s a very dangerous game to play. It will lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which kicks in if the blood sugar gets so high that the blood becomes acidic, the cells dehydrate, and the body stops functioning.
In other words, everybody should have access to insulin at any moment of the day, but what if the insulin costs too much? Let’s find out how you can get fast access to insulin!
What to do to get insulin ASAP
If you need insulin now, it is crucial to go to the emergency room for fast medical assistance. However, there are also solutions available if you are seeking affordable options without a prescription or insurance.
At Walmart, you can buy Novolin ReliOn Insulin for $25 over-the-counter. It comes in a 10mL vial and is offered in regular human insulin (R) for mealtime use and NPH (N) in the case of longer-acting basal insulin.
It is important to note that NPH and regular insulin work in a different way from analog insulins. NPH has a duration of action of over 12 hours, with its peak effect occurring at 4 to 6 hours. Regular insulin lowers blood glucose over the period of 6 to 8 hours, peaking at 2-4 hours, and is best taken before or after meals.
Before making any changes to your insulin regimen, it is extremely important to consult with an experienced physician. Improper usage of these insulins can lead to higher risks of severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis.
You should also consider visiting a community health center in your area, which can assist you in accessing insulin at a reduced cost. They can provide treatment regardless of insurance coverage.
How to get insulin if you’re uninsured
You should lose hope in getting insulin even if you don’t have medical insurance. Luckily, there are options available to help you. The three major insulin manufacturers, such as Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk offer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) for those who meet income eligibility requirements. These programs will provide insulin for free.
Costco and CVS Pharmacy also offer savings programs when it comes to prescription drugs. Costco’s discount prescription program covers meds available at Costco pharmacies. CVS Pharmacy’s Reduced Rx program provides discounts at CVS Pharmacy locations, as it can save individuals up to $100 on medications such as Novolin.
Sanofi Insulins Valyou Savings Program offers discounted insulin, including Lantus, Toujeo, Admelog, and Apidra, for a monthly fee of only $99 to qualifying individuals. This program is open to uninsured individuals as well and does not use income level as a determining factor for eligibility.
Novo Nordisk’s My$99Insulin Cash Card Program is also worthy of attention, as it provides a supply of Novo Nordisk analog insulin for a flat fee of $99 for up to 12 months. This program can be available to you regardless of your insurance coverage.
These programs and discount options can help uninsured folks access the insulin they need at a more affordable price. It is important to inquire directly with the respective programs or pharmacies to determine eligibility and specific savings for your situation.
Exploring long-term options for affordable insulin is an important step in managing your healthcare costs. One solution is to speak with your healthcare professional about the availability of insulin samples, which can provide temporary relief while you explore other options. This discussion can also open up avenues to explore alternative brands or formulas of insulin that could be cheaper for you.
Additionally, discussing the possibility of obtaining a larger prescription can help reduce the frequency of refills and potentially lower costs in the long run. Documenting your need for assistance programs can also be to your benefit, as it may make you eligible for various patient assistance programs offered by insulin manufacturers. You need to remember that open and honest communication with your healthcare professional is key to finding the most suitable and affordable solutions for your insulin needs.
