Insulin can be really expensive, especially if you need it to stay healthy. Even with insurance, you might end up paying a hefty sum every month. Insulin is crucial for those with type 1 diabetes, and lots of people with type 2 diabetes rely on it too. About 7.4 million Americans who have diabetes take insulin. It’s crucial to determine how to make the cost manageable and also to know how to take care of your health. For instance, knowing the price of an insulin pump can help you make a budget for it.
There are various ways to get insulin into your body, each with their upsides and downsides. The right method for you depends on some factors, like how your blood sugar swings daily and how you live. Nowadays, considering the cost of the device, it’s also getting more crucial.
Insulin Syringes and Vials
The common way to give insulin is by using a vial and a syringe with a needle. Syringes used to be the cheapest way to get insulin, but now they’re more expensive. In fact, one study showed that insulin prices went up three times in only 10 years. Insulin in vials can be of different types: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting. This means they work for different lengths of time in the body.
Cost of Insulin Syringes and Vials
Syringes usually cost between $15 and $20 for a box of 100, and you can get them from different places like pharmacies or online diabetes stores. The cost of vials can vary depending on the brand. For instance, Humalog’s price can be around $325 per 10 ml vial, Admelog about $200 per 10 ml vial, and the generic version of Humalog around $170 per 10 ml vial. Prices might vary between different pharmacies.
With insurance, you might pay as little as $5, but sometimes it could be half or more of the total cost. Some retail pharmacies, such as Walmart, offer older versions of insulin for $25 per vial. Your doctor will help you pick the best insulin for your needs.
Pros:
- They’re the cheapest choice.
Cons:
- Some don’t like getting shots because they hurt.
- Make sure to switch up where you get the shot a lot.
- Sometimes this can make your blood sugar drop too much.
- Don’t forget to bring along those little bottles and needles.
- If your eyes or hands aren’t great, it can be hard to read the stuff and measure insulin.
Insulin Pens
An insulin pen is a tool for giving insulin shots with a small needle under the skin. Pens are often less painful and simpler to use compared to syringes and vials. However, they can cost more and might not always be covered by insurance.
Cost of Insulin Pens
Pens are typically sold in packs, so you can’t purchase them individually. Depending on your insurance and where you buy them, a pack of five Humalog KwikPens can cost over $600, or more than $300 for the generic version. Each pen holds 3 mL of insulin. Admelog pens can cost around $150 for a box of five. Your insurance might help with some of the cost, but you’ll probably still need to pay a copay.
While pens cost more upfront than syringes and vials, they might save you money overall. One study found that pens were linked to lower healthcare charges, including those related to diabetes. This means that using pens could help you avoid expensive hospital visits and other problems in the long run, potentially saving you money.
Pros:
- Pens usually hurt less than syringes.
- The pen comes already filled, so you don’t have to fill it yourself.
- They’re all set to go and easy to take with you.
- Make sure you’re getting the correct amount of insulin.
- Some pens even remember how much insulin you’ve used and when.
Cons:
- They’re often pricier than insulin in a vial.
- Sometimes, insulin is wasted when you have to prepare the pen before using it.
- Not all insulin types can be used with pens.
- Each pen holds just one kind of insulin, so if you need two types, you’ll need two pens.
- Insurance might not always cover pens.
- You have to buy needles separately.
Insulin Pumps
Insulin pumps are like tiny machines that give you insulin all day through a little tube under your skin. But before your insurance will pay for it, your doctor has to say you really need it.
Cost of Insulin Pumps
Without insurance, a brand-new insulin pump can cost at around $6,000, plus another $3,000 to $6,000 each year for things like batteries and sensors. The price can change based on what the pump can do, what brand it is, and how big it is. But you also have to pay for the insulin it gives you, so if your insurance doesn’t help much, it can cost a lot.
Pros:
- They’re the closest thing to how your body naturally releases insulin.
- They give you insulin more accurately than lots of shots.
- Your blood sugar levels don’t swing as much with them.
- You can be more flexible with your meals and when you eat.
Cons:
- Insurance might not always help pay for them, and if it does, there are usually strict rules to follow first.
- If the tube accidentally comes out, it could lead to a severe condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.
- They cost more than other choices.
- You could get an infection where the tube goes into your skin.
- You might need to go to the hospital for training on how to use it.
How to Choose Your Insulin Device
If you’re worried about the cost of insulin, talk to your doctor and insurance company to find the cheapest way to get it that still helps your health. Using syringes and vials is usually the cheapest, but you have to balance what your insurance covers, what you have to pay, and what you like. Pens and pumps might be easier to use and could save you money in the long run, but they can be hard to afford without good insurance.