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The price of insulin can be exorbitant, especially if you need it to stay healthy. Even with insurance, you could end up paying hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses each month.
Insulin is absolutely necessary for people with type 1 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes also often need it. About 7,4 million Americans with diabetes take insulin.
If you must take insulin for diabetes, it is essential to learn how to reduce the cost to an affordable level, while also understanding how to manage your disease.
There are several types of devices available for administering insulin, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The insulin device that is best for you depends on many factors, including how much your blood sugar fluctuates each day and your lifestyle.
These days, cost is becoming an increasingly important factor to consider when choosing a device.
Insulin vials and syringes
The most common way to inject insulin is to use a vial and a syringe (needle).
Syringes are considered the cheapest form of insulin delivery, but they certainly aren't cheap – at least not anymore. One study found that the price of insulin had tripled in just 10 years.
Insulin vials can be rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting. This relates to how long they are effective in the bloodstream.
Costs of vials and syringes
Syringes usually cost between $15 and $20 for a box of 100, depending on where you get them. Depending on where you live, you can buy them over the counter or online at diabetes supply stores.
Bottle prices vary for each brand and are subject to change without notice.
For example, a recent Internet price search revealed that Humalog's list price is approximately $325 per 10 ml bottle. Admelog costs around $200 per 10 ml vial, while Humalog's recently released authorized generic costs $170 per 10 ml vial. The price varied depending on the location of the pharmacy.
With insurance, the co-pay and coinsurance rate can be as low as $5, but can sometimes be 50% or more of the total cost.
Retail pharmacies like Walmart offer older versions of Regular and NPH human insulin for as little as $25 per bottle.
You and your doctor will work together to determine the best insulin for you.
Advantages of vials and syringes
- This is the cheapest option.
Disadvantages of vials and syringes
- Injections can be painful and difficult for people who are afraid of needles.
- The injection site should be rotated frequently.
- This method comes with a higher risk of hypoglycemic episodes (very low blood sugar).
- You will need to carry the vials and syringes.
- The equipment can be difficult to read and insulin to measure for people with vision or dexterity problems.
Insulin pens
An insulin pen is an injection device that injects insulin into fatty tissue under the skin using a short, thin needle.
In general, pens are less painful and more convenient than syringes and vials. Most of their disadvantages relate to their higher costs compared to syringes and vials and the lack of insurance coverage.
Costs of insulin pens
Pens usually come in packs, so you can't buy just one at a time.
Depending on your insurance and the pharmacy you use, a box of five Humalog KwikPens can cost more than $600, and the recently released authorized generic can cost more than $300. Each pen contains 3 ml of insulin.
The cost of Admelog can vary by pharmacy, but is approximately $150 per box of five 3 ml pre-filled insulin pens.
Your insurance may cover the cost of a pen, but you'll likely have to pay a copay out of pocket.
Pens generally cost more than syringes and vials. But when it comes to the total cost of healthcare, choosing pens over syringes can save you money in the long run.
Compared to syringes and vials, one study found that pens were associated with significantly lower total direct healthcare costs. They were also associated with lower total diabetes-related direct health care costs.
In other words, because pens make it easier to take your insulin, you can potentially avoid costly trips to the hospital and other complications. This can save you money over time.
Benefits of insulin pens
- They tend to hurt less than syringes.
- The pen is already pre-filled, so there is no need to draw insulin into a needle.
- They are ready to use and easy to transport.
- It is easier to define the right dose.
- Some have a memory feature on the pen to track how much insulin you've used and when.
Disadvantages of insulin pens
- They are generally more expensive than vial insulin.
- Some insulin is wasted if the device has to be “primed” before injection.
- They cannot be used for all types of insulin.
- They only contain one type of insulin. You will need two injections if you use two types of insulin.
- Pens are not always covered by insurance.
- Needles are an additional cost.
Insulin pumps
Insulin pumps are small computerized devices. They help deliver insulin around the clock through a small tube called a catheter placed under the skin.
With many insurance companies, you will need to get approval from a doctor showing that the insulin pump is medically necessary before it is covered by your insurance.
Insulin pump costs
Without insurance, a new insulin pump costs about $6 out of pocket, plus $000 to $3 a year for common supplies, like batteries and sensors. The cost varies depending on the features, software, brand and size of the pump.
But you'll also have to pay separately for the insulin delivered through the device, so the cost of using an insulin pump without good insurance coverage can be enormous.
Advantage of insulin pumps
- They most closely mimic the body's normal release of insulin.
- They deliver insulin more precisely than multiple injections.
- They cause fewer significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
- They allow you to be more flexible about when and what you eat.
Disadvantages of insulin pumps
- They are not always covered by insurance. If an insurance policy covers a pump, it usually has strict guidelines before the insurance company pays for it.
- Pumps can cause diabetic ketoacidosis if your catheter comes out accidentally.
- They are more expensive than other options.
- There is a risk of infection where the catheter enters your skin.
- You may need to stay in hospital for training.
Choosing your insulin device
If you're concerned about cost, work with your doctor and insurance company to find the cheapest method of insulin delivery to meet your treatment goals.
Insulin syringes and vials are usually the cheapest option, but you'll need to balance your insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and your own preferences.
Pens and pumps are often more convenient than syringes and vials and can help reduce your long-term healthcare costs. But they can be difficult to finance without good insurance coverage.
The price of insulin continues to rise, but you shouldn't have to choose between your medications and other essentials. It is important that you take your insulin to avoid future consequences.
Take the time to shop around for insulin prices and check out savings programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Also evaluate your insurance options before making a decision about an insulin device with your doctor.