FYI…
FDA/Prescribing Update
Patient Assistance Programs for Insulin: A Response to COVID-19
In April, Eli Lilly and Company and Novo Nordisk introduced additional patient assistance programs to help patients who may have been financially affected by COVID-19.
Eli Lilly introduced the Lilly Insulin Value Program which allows anyone with commercial insurance or those without insurance to fill their monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35. This covers most Lilly insulins including all Humalog formulations (i.e., Humalog®, Humalog Mix® 50/50, and Humalog Mix® 75/25) and non-branded insulins. Patients can get a Lilly Insulin Value Program card by calling the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center at 833-808-1234 (M-F; 8am-8pm EST). Due to federal guidelines, seniors on Medicare Part D plans are not eligible for a co-pay card but they can still contact the Solution Center for other options like Lilly’s Insulin Lispro, a non-branded version of Humalog®.
Similarly, Novo Nordisk expanded eligibility criteria for their Diabetes Patient Assistance Program (PAP). Patients that have lost health insurance coverage due to a change in job status as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can receive Novo Nordisk insulins (i.e., Tresiba®, Levemir®, Fiasp®, Novolog®, Novolog Mix® 70/30, and Novolin®) free of charge for 90 days. To access this program, participants will need to complete the PAP applica-tion and provide documentation showing loss of healthcare benefits, such as a job termination notice or proof that COBRA benefits are being offered.
If a patient is having difficulty affording their insulin (or other medications) due to COVID-19, the PMG Medication Assistance Program (MAP) is available to assist. The MAP department can help patients and providers navigate the COVID-19 patient assistance programs as well as other assistance options.
Alternatively, Novolin® N, Novolin® R, and Novolin® 70/30 remain available at Wal-mart for $25 per vial or ~$44 per box of 5 pens.
Sources:
Lilly.com [Last updated April 7, 2020]. Lilly.com | Eli Lilly and Company [Accessed May 4, 2020]
Novocare.com [Last updated April 2020]. Novo Nordisk offers free 90-day insulin supply to people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 [Accessed May 4, 2020]
Written by: Vivian W. Tang, PharmD, BCACP
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