topic Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin?? in Wellness

Anyone having problems affording insulin??

emmysmom — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 02:26:21 GMT

Been using insulin since 2012...received a letter today saying I would not be getting any assistance. I can't afford it on my own. I'm calling a company called SimpleFill...to see if I can enroll. Anyone else have problems affording insulin??

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Kachina624 — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 02:55:19 GMT

I don't know much about insulin but I have a friend who had a dog that took it. She shopped around and found it significantly cheaper at Walmart's Market Store. It wasn't discounted at the Super Centers, just these stores that sell groceries only. If you have one in your area, you might try that.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Katcat1 — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 03:02:27 GMT

@emmysmom Do you get insulin through the drug company? I don't take insulin but I do receive my Rheumatoid Arthritis syringes through a foundation associated with the drug company. I have been receiving for 7 years. It is so expensive (a couple of thousand or more) that there is no way I could afford Enbrel. I hope you are able to find assistance somewhere but I always start with the drug company that makes the drug. Good luck to you. I personally think the drug companies need to stop charging so much for medication especially to seniors.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Drythe — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 03:15:29 GMT

@emmysmom

I am so sad to hear this, and understand how scary it can be. I get two days of infusions 4 - 1/2 hours each every five weeks. These infusions are > $5,000 each. Without insurance I could not afford them.

You might contact the American Diabetic Association for more suggestions.

Best Wishes.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

allaries — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 03:27:13 GMT

I have been using Humalog Qwik pen for 8 years. Because it is a tier 3 drug there is a $225 copay for the first time then 45 dollars a box of 5 pens after that. Because my pancreas does not work well anymore I use more than I did at first. In the US if you have not ins. a box of the pens is $613. In British Columbia they sell insulin over the counter, not prescription needed. Same maufacturer same number on the box. Same box really.It is $58 dollars a box .less with the exchange. Now I am not going to admit getting it there on this forum but lets say I have lots of relatives in that province. I know many who go to Mexico and are allowed to bring back 6 boxes. I know people skimming on usage becasue of cost. This country is all about profits. Bet the CEOs are raking in the bonuses. I also know someone who buys her nephew the Epi pen in Canada and brings it down to him. Dont believe the propaganda about it not being the same quality. It is the same.Good luck to you in your quest to get help paying for the insulin.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

emmysmom — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 05:07:29 GMT

@Katcat1 wrote:
@emmysmom Do you get insulin through the drug company? I don't take insulin but I do receive my Rheumatoid Arthritis syringes through a foundation associated with the drug company. I have been receiving for 7 years. It is so expensive (a couple of thousand or more) that there is no way I could afford Enbrel. I hope you are able to find assistance somewhere but I always start with the drug company that makes the drug. Good luck to you. I personally think the drug companies need to stop charging so much for medication especially to seniors.

It makes me crazy..the companies are so greedy! I'll give it a try, thanks so much!

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

emmysmom — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 05:09:34 GMT

@allaries wrote:
I have been using Humalog Qwik pen for 8 years. Because it is a tier 3 drug there is a $225 copay for the first time then 45 dollars a box of 5 pens after that. Because my pancreas does not work well anymore I use more than I did at first. In the US if you have not ins. a box of the pens is $613. In British Columbia they sell insulin over the counter, not prescription needed. Same maufacturer same number on the box. Same box really.It is $58 dollars a box .less with the exchange. Now I am not going to admit getting it there on this forum but lets say I have lots of relatives in that province. I know many who go to Mexico and are allowed to bring back 6 boxes. I know people skimming on usage becasue of cost. This country is all about profits. Bet the CEOs are raking in the bonuses. I also know someone who buys her nephew the Epi pen in Canada and brings it down to him. Dont believe the propaganda about it not being the same quality. It is the same.Good luck to you in your quest to get help paying for the insulin.

Yes, I have a friend that travels to Canada 2x a year to get her insulin..sad isn't it??

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Kat60 — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 07:03:17 GMT

Have you tried good rx? I found that helpful. Also tell your doctor. They may be able to get cheaper insulin. Good luck.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Desertdi — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:14:28 GMT

@emmysmom wrote:
@Katcat1 wrote:
@emmysmom Do you get insulin through the drug company? I don't take insulin but I do receive my Rheumatoid Arthritis syringes through a foundation associated with the drug company. I have been receiving for 7 years. It is so expensive (a couple of thousand or more) that there is no way I could afford Enbrel. I hope you are able to find assistance somewhere but I always start with the drug company that makes the drug. Good luck to you. I personally think the drug companies need to stop charging so much for medication especially to seniors.
It makes me crazy..the companies are so greedy! I'll give it a try, thanks so much!

@emmysmom @Katcat1 Yeah, the Enbrel folks have to pay Phil Mikelson, too. (I really don't think companies should advertise on TV.) di

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Trinity11 — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:58:17 GMT

@emmysmom wrote:
Been using insulin since 2012...received a letter today saying I would not be getting any assistance. I can't afford it on my own. I'm calling a company called SimpleFill...to see if I can enroll. Anyone else have problems affording insulin??

If I remember correctly @emmysmom, you are a Type 2 diabetic. Have you investigated other meds other than Lantus for your diabetes? As a Type 2 diabetic, there are many far less expensive routes you could go other than the utilization of insulin. Have you discussed this with your physician? If you were denied coverage by your insurance company, you can always have your physician place a claim that no other medication but insulin will help you. Also metformin is an excellent drug for diabetes helping with insulin resistance thus making it that you may be able to use less at least.

I am a Type 1 diabetic with private insurance. I have heard some horror stories from people on Medicare Part D in regard to the cost of insulin. Even now my co-pays are very expensive as I need both a basal and short acting insulin.

Hopefully, this life saving drug will not continue to increase in price. It was always very affordable and suddenly the price has increased exponentially. More needs to be done to make it affordable for everyone and Soon!

Good luck to you and I hope that you find a solution in finding more affordable insulin if no other medication can be substituted.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Laura14 — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:00:36 GMT

Is it possible for you to use Metformin? Pharmacies will offer that medication for free.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

carlycat — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:03:08 GMT

My boyfriend has Type 2, takes Lantus, and Metformin. He can't take anything else. He has talked to his dr, his insurance company, and Medicare. His COPAY is $1,000. He's still in the donut hole. It's terrible. It's like they want people to die.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

emmysmom — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:06:11 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@emmysmom wrote:
Been using insulin since 2012...received a letter today saying I would not be getting any assistance. I can't afford it on my own. I'm calling a company called SimpleFill...to see if I can enroll. Anyone else have problems affording insulin??
If I remember correctly @emmysmom, you are a Type 2 diabetic. Have you investigated other meds other than Lantus for your diabetes? As a Type 2 diabetic, there are many far less expensive routes you could go other than the utilization of insulin. Have you discussed this with your physician? If you were denied coverage by your insurance company, you can always have your physician place a claim that no other medication but insulin will help you. Also metformin is an excellent drug for diabetes helping with insulin resistance thus making it that you may be able to use less at least.

I am a Type 1 diabetic with private insurance. I have heard some horror stories from people on Medicare Part D in regard to the cost of insulin. Even now my co-pays are very expensive as I need both a basal and short acting insulin.

Hopefully, this life saving drug will not continue to increase in price. It was always very affordable and suddenly the price has increased exponentially. More needs to be done to make it affordable for everyone and Soon!

Good luck to you and I hope that you find a solution in finding more affordable insulin if no other medication can be substituted.

I spent this morning on the phone...had to talk to several different agencies ...after all that..found out it was a State issue and had NOTHING to do with my drug coverage! I found this wonderful man..(even gave me his personal number and told me what to do..) So...the beggining of next year, I have to ask for an exception from my doctor because my secondary insurance doesn't cover LANTUS!! What a nightmare. I went through all of this last year..! Thanks for all your suggestions and letting me vent..!

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Witchy Woman — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:09:07 GMT

@emmysmom

I buy my Lantus insulin pens for my cat at Mark's Marine Pharmacy in Canada.

Last time I ordered a month or so ago, the cost for 5 pens was $164.99.

There will be a delivery charge (in the summer it is more because they ship in a cooler with ice.)

Even with that cost, it is MUCH cheaper than buying in the US.

I have purchased here for several years and they are very nice AND reliable.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

Trinity11 — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:16:10 GMT

@emmysmom wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote:
@emmysmom wrote:
Been using insulin since 2012...received a letter today saying I would not be getting any assistance. I can't afford it on my own. I'm calling a company called SimpleFill...to see if I can enroll. Anyone else have problems affording insulin??
If I remember correctly @emmysmom, you are a Type 2 diabetic. Have you investigated other meds other than Lantus for your diabetes? As a Type 2 diabetic, there are many far less expensive routes you could go other than the utilization of insulin. Have you discussed this with your physician? If you were denied coverage by your insurance company, you can always have your physician place a claim that no other medication but insulin will help you. Also metformin is an excellent drug for diabetes helping with insulin resistance thus making it that you may be able to use less at least.

I am a Type 1 diabetic with private insurance. I have heard some horror stories from people on Medicare Part D in regard to the cost of insulin. Even now my co-pays are very expensive as I need both a basal and short acting insulin.

Hopefully, this life saving drug will not continue to increase in price. It was always very affordable and suddenly the price has increased exponentially. More needs to be done to make it affordable for everyone and Soon!

Good luck to you and I hope that you find a solution in finding more affordable insulin if no other medication can be substituted.
I spent this morning on the phone...had to talk to several different agencies ...after all that..found out it was a State issue and had NOTHING to do with my drug coverage! I found this wonderful man..(even gave me his personal number and told me what to do..) So...the beggining of next year, I have to ask for an exception from my doctor because my secondary insurance doesn't cover LANTUS!! What a nightmare. I went through all of this last year..! Thanks for all your suggestions and letting me vent..!

@emmysmom... do you have CVS Caremark? They have a substitute (Basaglar) that they offer which is as effective. Lantus has been dropped from a lot of insurance companies.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

PamfromCT — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:17:08 GMT

Dear @emmysmom, I am most sorry that you are in this situation. It makes me very angry. We are the richest country in the world. I also agree with the poster that all these drug ads on tv are ridiculous. Like anyone is going to tell their doctor they want a certain drug because they saw an impressive ad on tv? Can you imagine the costs for these ads? I sincerely hope your problem can be resolved quickly.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

emmysmom — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:17:26 GMT

@Witchy Woman wrote:
@emmysmom

I buy my Lantus insulin pens for my cat at Mark's Marine Pharmacy in Canada.

Last time I ordered a month or so ago, the cost for 5 pens was $164.99.

There will be a deliver charge (in the summer it is more because they ship in a cooler with ice.)

Even with that cost, it is MUCH cheaper than buying in the US.

I have purchased here for several years and they are very nice AND reliable.

You know you're an angel! I took care of a couple whose cat had diabetes! He was a doctor, she was a psychiatrist..he would call the kitty and she would run to him..he would lift her up on the table..and she would purr while he gave her the injection,.she knew he was helping her! He and his wife had physical problems..I loved them and their Golden retriever, Mimi! She would wait for me to come in the morning...I could see her peeking through the living room drapes! I was able to take her for long walks while I was there..I loved that girl..very happy memories! That began my career as a caregiver..! I had many more..!

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

emmysmom — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 17:38:11 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@emmysmom wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote:
@emmysmom wrote:
Been using insulin since 2012...received a letter today saying I would not be getting any assistance. I can't afford it on my own. I'm calling a company called SimpleFill...to see if I can enroll. Anyone else have problems affording insulin??
If I remember correctly @emmysmom, you are a Type 2 diabetic. Have you investigated other meds other than Lantus for your diabetes? As a Type 2 diabetic, there are many far less expensive routes you could go other than the utilization of insulin. Have you discussed this with your physician? If you were denied coverage by your insurance company, you can always have your physician place a claim that no other medication but insulin will help you. Also metformin is an excellent drug for diabetes helping with insulin resistance thus making it that you may be able to use less at least.

I am a Type 1 diabetic with private insurance. I have heard some horror stories from people on Medicare Part D in regard to the cost of insulin. Even now my co-pays are very expensive as I need both a basal and short acting insulin.

Hopefully, this life saving drug will not continue to increase in price. It was always very affordable and suddenly the price has increased exponentially. More needs to be done to make it affordable for everyone and Soon!

Good luck to you and I hope that you find a solution in finding more affordable insulin if no other medication can be substituted.
I spent this morning on the phone...had to talk to several different agencies ...after all that..found out it was a State issue and had NOTHING to do with my drug coverage! I found this wonderful man..(even gave me his personal number and told me what to do..) So...the beggining of next year, I have to ask for an exception from my doctor because my secondary insurance doesn't cover LANTUS!! What a nightmare. I went through all of this last year..! Thanks for all your suggestions and letting me vent..!
@emmysmom... do you have CVS Caremark? They have a substitute (Basaglar) that they offer which is as effective. Lantus has been dropped from a lot of insurance companies.

Yes..I have Caremark...I'm afraid to change drugs because Lantus works..never had any side effects..after talking to my doctor last year..she understood my worry, because I'm allergic too most antibiotics and pain relievers! She wanted to switch me to Toujeo..WHY are the companies dropping Lantus?? Its a proven drug..and been around for awhile..(I'll read about Basaglar).tia!

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

tansy — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:45:21 GMT

My insurance for 2019 has dropped Lantus but will cover Levemir.

I use the vials instead of pens.

Re: Anyone having problems affording insulin??

MoJoV — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:04:33 GMT

@emmysmom Your post really makes me sad. It's so disgusting what we've allowed to happen with life saving drugs in our country. We all sit and shake our heads, we have to get something done about this. I pray you find some solution. It's so wrong you should have to go through this.