Cigna program is reducing out-of-pocket insulin costs
Insulin is about to become more affordable for some people with diabetes. .
On Wednesday, the health insurer Cigna and pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts announced the launch of an insurance plan that caps insulin costs at $25 a month, a move that could affect more than 700,000 people, according to the company.
Called the Patient Assurance Program SM, the project seeks to address the need for greater affordability and access to insulin.
“For people with diabetes, insulin can be as essential as air,” said Steve Miller, executive vice president and chief clinical officer for Cigna. “We need to ensure these individuals feel secure in their ability to afford every fill so they don’t miss one dose, which can be dangerous for their health.”
To qualify, patients must have outof-pocket insulin costs higher than $25 a month. They must also participate in non-government funded pharmacy plans managed by Express Scripts.
Six million Americans depend on insulin each day, according to the American Diabetes Association, and the escalating cost has become a major problem for many of them. Studies show that 1 in 4 people with diabetes who use insulin cut back on the use of the drug because of costs. Last year, a 30-day supply of insulin cost Cigna and Express Scripts members $41.50 on average, according to the company. So the new program can save eligible participants approximately 40%.
Cigna acquired Express Scripts for $54 billion in 2018.