The cost of insulin varies, but on average, people in the US paid $58 per fill out-of-pocket in 2019, typically for a 30-day supply.
Understanding Insulin Costs
Insulin costs can be a significant burden for those with diabetes. Here’s a breakdown of what contributes to these expenses:
- Average Out-of-Pocket Cost: According to data from 2019, the national average out-of-pocket cost for an insulin fill was $58.
- Supply Duration: This cost generally covers a 30-day supply of insulin.
- Insured Patients: Patients with private insurance or Medicare tend to pay a bit more per fill, averaging around $63.
Factors Influencing Insulin Prices
Several factors can affect how much someone pays for insulin:
- Insurance Coverage: The type of insurance a person has significantly impacts the cost.
- Private Insurance: May have co-pays and deductibles to meet.
- Medicare: May have varying co-pays based on their plan.
- Uninsured: Can face the full retail price of insulin.
- Type of Insulin: Different types of insulin can have varying costs.
- Pharmacy: Prices can fluctuate between pharmacies.
- Geographic Location: Costs can vary depending on the region.
Practical Tips for Managing Insulin Costs
- Check Insurance Coverage: Understand the co-pays and deductibles for your plan.
- Compare Pharmacy Prices: Prices can differ.
- Explore Patient Assistance Programs: Many pharmaceutical companies offer programs to help reduce costs.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Explore if there are less expensive alternatives or ways to manage your medication more efficiently.
- Consider Discount Programs: Research discount cards or programs to save money.
In conclusion, while the average out-of-pocket cost for insulin in 2019 was around $58 per fill (30-day supply), the actual price can be higher depending on insurance, the type of insulin, and the pharmacy.
