Prescriptions

How to pay less for insulin

No one should ration insulin because of cost. Depending on your coverage, there may be a $35-a-month option for you. Here’s how each one works and who qualifies.

Free to use. MegaSavings may earn a small fee when you use the RxGo card, at no cost to you. Payments don’t change the tips on this page. How we make money.

Don’t skip doses. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you change insulin or how you take it to save money. These programs change, so confirm the details on each official page.

Find your situation

You have Medicare

Each Part B- or Part D-covered insulin costs no more than $35 for a one-month supply, and there’s no deductible for insulin. A three-month supply is generally no more than $105.

Source: Medicare.gov

You have insurance through an Illinois-regulated plan

Illinois law caps what some state-regulated plans can charge for a 30-day insulin supply at $35. It doesn’t apply to every plan (self-funded employer plans, for example, generally aren’t state-regulated), so ask your plan.

Source: 215 ILCS 5/356z.41

You have other private insurance or none

All three big insulin makers have $35-a-month programs. Rules differ, so check the one that makes your insulin.

Source: Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi

Medicare: the $35 limit

According to Medicare.gov:

  • Part D covers insulin you inject with a pen or needle, inhaled insulin, and insulin used with pumps not covered under Part B, like patch pumps.
  • Part B covers insulin used with a pump covered as durable medical equipment.
  • The $35 Part D limit applies to everyone, including people with Extra Help.

If your other drug costs are high, Extra Help (Social Security) and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan can also help.

Manufacturer $35 programs

  • Lilly Insulin Value Program: Lilly says people with commercial insurance or no insurance can pay $35 a month for Lilly insulins. It isn’t for people in government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, VA or TRICARE, and other terms apply. The current card lists an expiration of December 31, 2026, so check for renewal. See Lilly.
  • Novo Nordisk MyInsulinRx: for people with commercial insurance or no insurance, pay as little as $35 for a monthly supply of covered Novo Nordisk insulins; eligibility and restrictions apply. Novo also lists a patient assistance program for some uninsured people and people with Medicare (NovoCare).
  • Sanofi Insulins Valyou: starting January 1, 2026, Sanofi says anyone with a valid prescription can get a 30-day supply of any Sanofi insulin for $35, regardless of insurance, including Medicare. Enroll through Sanofi Patient Connection or by calling 1-888-847-4877 (Sanofi).

If you’re uninsured

  • Start with the program from your insulin’s maker, above.
  • Ask a HRSA-funded health center about sliding fees based on income.
  • Search the Medicine Assistance Tool for other assistance programs.
  • Check whether you can get coverage. Illinois open enrollment for 2027 plans runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 at Get Covered Illinois.
  • Compare cash prices for supplies like pen needles, syringes and test strips with a discount card.

Compare prices on diabetes supplies and other prescriptions

Look up insulin, pen needles or other medicines with the free RxGo card and compare the price with your other options.

Get your free RxGo card
Print a coupon
Get the RxGo app

MegaSavings may earn a small fee when you use the RxGo card, at no cost to you. Discount cards aren’t insurance, and prices vary by pharmacy.

Common questions

How much does insulin cost with Medicare?

No more than $35 for a one-month supply of each covered insulin, with no deductible, according to Medicare.gov.

Does the Illinois $35 insulin cap apply to me?

Only if your plan is regulated by Illinois. Many employer plans are self-funded and regulated federally instead. Ask your plan.

Can I get $35 insulin without insurance?

Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi all list $35-a-month programs for people without insurance. Eligibility rules apply.

Can I use the Lilly program with Medicare?

No. Lilly says its Insulin Value Program isn’t for people in government programs such as Medicare. Medicare’s own $35 limit applies instead.

Does MegaSavings get paid?

MegaSavings may earn a small fee when you use the RxGo card, at no cost to you. We don’t get paid by insulin makers, and it doesn’t change the tips on this page.

Sources

More guides: Prescriptions · Prescription discount cards · Prescriptions without insurance · Health insurance in Illinois

Related: Diabetes medication cost

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026