Insulin Cost: Medicare’s $35 Cap and Maker Programs
Under Medicare, a one-month supply of each Part B- or Part D-covered insulin costs no more than $35, with no deductible. Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi also each offer $35-a-month programs, and the right one depends on your insurance. Use the insulin savings finder to see yours.
Medicare
Medicare.gov says each Part B- and Part D-covered insulin product costs no more than $35 for a one-month supply, and you do not pay a deductible for insulin. Part B covers insulin only when it is used with an insulin pump covered as durable medical equipment. Part D may cover injectable insulin (pens and needles), insulin for pumps Part B does not cover, such as patch pumps, inhaled insulin and certain injection supplies.
Manufacturer programs
| Maker | Program | What the maker states |
|---|---|---|
| Eli Lilly | Lilly Insulin Value Program | All Lilly insulins for $35 a month with commercial insurance (automatic discount at most retail pharmacies) or no insurance (savings card). The card’s savings end 12/31/2026. Lilly says people in federal insurance programs are excluded from its $35 solutions, and notes federal law already caps Medicare Part D insulin at $35. |
| Novo Nordisk | MyInsulinRx | $35 for a monthly supply of any combination of Novo Nordisk insulins, if eligible. Offered to uninsured and commercially insured patients, with conditions for Medicare Part D patients. Annual re-enrollment is required, and it works outside your insurance so does not count toward your deductible. |
| Sanofi | Insulins Valyou Savings Program | All Sanofi insulins for $35 a month for all Americans regardless of insurance status, including commercial insurance or Medicare, from January 1, 2026. Enroll through Sanofi Patient Connection, 1-888-847-4877. |
Sources: Medicare.gov, Lilly, NovoCare and Sanofi US, checked 2026-10-22. Programs change; confirm terms on each maker’s page.
If you still cannot afford insulin
Tell your care team and pharmacist, who can often switch products or point to a program. Manufacturers also run patient assistance programs for people with low income or no coverage: see the finder. Never stretch or skip doses. Very high blood sugar with vomiting, trouble breathing or confusion is an emergency; see DKA symptoms.
Add your insulin cost to the supply cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most Medicare charges for insulin?
Medicare limits each Part B- and Part D-covered insulin product to $35 for a one-month supply, and there is no deductible for insulin.
Do the manufacturers offer $35 insulin?
Yes. Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi each run a $35-a-month program, with different eligibility. See the insulin savings programs finder.
What if I cannot afford insulin?
Contact your care team and pharmacist first, then the manufacturer’s assistance programs. Do not ration insulin. If you have symptoms of very high blood sugar, get urgent care.
Does the $35 cap apply to pens and vials?
Medicare’s cap applies to each covered insulin product for a one-month supply. Part B covers insulin used with a pump that is durable medical equipment; Part D may cover injectable insulin and insulin for other pumps.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Insulin
- Lilly Insulin Value Program
- NovoCare: MyInsulinRx program
- Sanofi US: all Sanofi insulins for $35 per month, September 26, 2025
- Medicare.gov: Medicare coverage of diabetes supplies, services and prevention programs (publication 11022)
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
