Eli Lilly announced a new program Tuesday that caps the out-of-pocket costs for most insulin users at $35 a month. The Indianapolis-based company says it’s designed to help diabetes patients during the novel coronavirus crisis.
The Lilly Insulin Value Program covers most insulins made by the drug maker and is available to those with or without insurance.
Lilly Diabetes president Mike Mason said the company wants to help those in need during the pandemic.
“Too many people in the U.S. have lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis, and we want to make sure no one goes without their Lilly insulin,” Mason said in a statement. “We’ve been providing affordability solutions for a long time, but more is needed to help people during this unprecedented time.”
Lilly says to enroll in the program, people should call the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center to obtain a co-pay card either by email or mail. The company says a card can typically be received within a day by email.
In a statement, the company says seniors with Medicare Part D plans are not eligible for the program, but may qualify for donated insulin or other forms of low-cost insulin. The company says people with an urgent need for insulin should contact the call center for an immediate supply.
Eli Lilly says it does not expect a shortage of insulin because of COVID-19. The Eli Lilly Diabetes Solution Center number is (833) 808-1234. The call center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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