Disclaimer: T1D Change and the writer weren’t paid to advertise Amazon Pharmacy or Novo Nordisk, nor do they endorse the usage of Amazon Pharmacy companies or Novo Nordisk merchandise. The names of the writer’s insurance coverage firm, pharmacy, and endocrinologist usually are not recognized for privateness causes. T1D Change and the writer usually are not medical professionals — all the time seek the advice of your healthcare crew earlier than making any modifications in your diabetes routine.
How did I not know I might get an enormous low cost on a generic model of Novolog? I lately came upon by likelihood due to Amazon. Sure, that Amazon. My endocrinologist didn’t know both. So, regardless of Lilly’s latest announcement in regards to the dramatically decreased value of a generic Humalog mixed with a possible month-to-month insulin cap invoice handed by the U.S. Senate, we nonetheless want extra reasonably priced insulin choices.
Right here, I’m sharing my latest expertise shopping for generic Novolog insulin from Amazon.
My present insulin prices
Like many others, my medical health insurance coverage has a single most well-liked pharmacy. Some other pharmacy is taken into account out-of-network and no medicines might be coated at an out-of-network pharmacy with out prior approval.
In January 2023, I used to be nonetheless within the dreaded deductible part. I used a Novo Nordisk financial savings coupon with insurance coverage pricing and paid $276 per vial for Novolog at my in-network pharmacy. Right here’s a photograph of my receipt:
The investigation is triggered
I’m an Amazon Prime member. Not too long ago, I obtained a push notification about their new Rx Move program, competing with the CostPlus Insulin program. Curiously, I appeared up the pricing for Novolog. As I suspected, there can be no benefit, even paying out-of-pocket, to purchasing my Novolog by way of Amazon Pharmacy. Nevertheless, Amazon urged “insulin aspart” in its place — which I knew was actually simply generic Novolog. So I investigated this selection and located that with out utilizing my insurance coverage, a vial of insulin aspart would value considerably lower than what I at the moment pay per vial for Novolog.
To be on the protected aspect — as a result of I used to be skeptical — I requested my endocrinologist to confirm the next data for me:
Insulin aspart is in reality the generic title of Novolog.
Novo Nordisk manufactures each insulin aspart and Novolog.
Insulin aspart and Novolog are equivalent insulins.
The packaging is the one distinction.
Insulin aspart by way of my medical health insurance
How is it that I by no means investigated the generic model of my insulin? In fact, then I referred to as my common pharmacy. I requested them how a lot they cost for insulin aspart. With out insurance coverage, they promote insulin aspart for $176 per vial — which might have saved me $100 per vial!
Why had the pharmacist by no means instructed me a couple of generic?
“Your insurance coverage doesn’t cowl it. It requires a previous authorization out of your physician. It’s not listed in your formulary.”
So, I countered, “But when I had a prescription for insulin aspart, I might pay money and never use my insurance coverage, appropriate?”
The reply: Sure.
I relayed this data to my endocrinologist, who proceeded to name my insurance coverage firm in regards to the prior authorization. Since insulin aspart just isn’t in my formulary, I’d pay $600 for a single vial at my most well-liked pharmacy! However, they stated, it could nonetheless rely in the direction of my deductible. (I feel I’ll go, however thanks for the provide.) My endocrinologist was simply as confused as I used to be, and he or she had no thought about Amazon Pharmacy providing the generic.
Getting insulin aspart by way of Amazon Pharmacy
I arrange my Amazon Pharmacy account, which was a lot less complicated than anticipated. My endocrinologist gladly despatched them the prescription for insulin aspart — 5 vials for 90 days. The finer particulars took just a few days to type out.
As soon as that was settled, I chosen the money choice utilizing no insurance coverage, and it occurred: I ordered and paid $55 per vial of insulin aspart as a Prime member, with no extra delivery prices. I paid with my HSA funds for added tax financial savings. I additionally submitted the receipts to my insurance coverage in the direction of my out-of-pocket deductible.
In abstract, right here is the comparability of prices I investigated (your prices could fluctuate):
Receiving my insulin
My insulin arrived through subsequent day air. It sat on my doorstep for just a few hours earlier than I received dwelling, with the out of doors temperature that afternoon at 55°F. The field was intact and labeled as perishable.
Inside was a well-sealed, thick foil bag. The field of vials within the bag was surrounded by double-layered ice packs. The ice packs are reusable and include directions on correct disposal and recycling, too.
I inserted a meals thermometer into the field, not touching the ice packs: the temperature steadied after about 20 seconds and browse 42°F: an ideal temperature for insulin.
Contained in the field, the packaging was certainly just like my Novolog, and expiration dates have been fairly cheap, into 2024.
Repeat Buyer
Will I exploit Amazon Pharmacy for my insulin once more? Completely, with no hesitation! My expertise was superb. Had I identified this in January, I might have saved $1,100 on 5 vials of insulin. Have you ever explored or used Amazon Pharmacy? Do you utilize insulin aspart (generic) and in addition lower your expenses? Please tell us within the feedback!
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