Amazon Pharmacy Now Offers Insulin for $35 a Month

Amazon Blazes a Path with an Affordable Alternative to Rising Insulin Costs.

The world’s largest online retailer, is now selling insulin through its online pharmacy. The discounts are awarded through manufacturer-sponsored coupons and include the top three insulin drugmakers: Novo Nordisk (Novolog), Eli Lily (Humalog, Humulin and Lispro) and Sanofi (Lantus). With the applied coupons, many Amazon customers can receive insulin for as low as $35/month.

Besides insulin vials, the discounts apply to other diabetes medicines and products like insulin pens, pumps, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). What’s more, global media companies like Forbes and CNET have named Amazon Pharmacy one of the best online pharmacies for its speed, convenience and affordability.

Amazing Amazon Savings

What initially began as an online bookselling company, Amazon has eclipsed into the most significant internet e-commerce enterprise, comprising cloud computing, digital streaming, artificial intelligence (AI) services and now pharmaceutical sales.

The online retail giant saves customers time and money through their daily subscriptions. It now provides easy access to a large selection of medications available in all 50 states at affordable prices with fast shipping. With Amazon Pharmacy’s automatically applied coupons, there are no extra steps, no online searches, additional enrollment programs, or paperwork. 

Access to Insulin

After a long battle with insulin makers who promised in March 2023 to lower the outrageous insulin costs, access through Amazon is a positive change for the growing number of individuals struggling to pay for insulin. As the number of people with diabetes increases, the need for cost-saving insulin and diabetes supplies grows.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has commended Amazon’s efforts in offering affordable insulin and diabetes technology. The discounted costs and easy access to medications and treatments can help individuals with diabetes stay healthy and avoid complications. The ADA reports, “Over 37.3 million Americans living with diabetes can’t afford the treatments they need to survive,” said Charles Henderson, ADA’s chief executive officer. “We applaud Amazon Pharmacy for innovating on behalf of people with diabetes and taking important action to help ensure they easily access the treatments they need through a transparent purchase process that automatically applies any eligible discounts.”

Transparency in Insulin Costs

Another benefit is Amazon’s upfront pricing on insulin and other products, which isn’t always the case when dealing with healthcare and insurance companies. “As a physician, it’s heartening to know that patients will have visibility into the cost of their insulin before they stand in line or wait to speak with a pharmacist,” said Dr. Vin Gupta, chief medical officer of Amazon Pharmacy, in a recent blog post. “And if the cost isn’t what they anticipate, we can more quickly find other options that are affordable and appropriate to their care.”

Who is Eligible for Insulin Discounts

Anyone can sign up for Amazon Pharmacy. You don’t have to be a member of Amazon Prime to use the services. However, if you are an Amazon Prime member, you’re eligible to receive free two-day shipping at $35 a month.

Amazon states, “Whether eligible customers are insured, underinsured, or uninsured, they’ll be able to easily view the price of each product directly on Amazon and never have to worry about missing potential savings.”

One hitch to the program is the insulin manufacturer coupons cannot be used if you’re part of a state or federal healthcare program.

This includes:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Medicare Part D
• Medigap
• Department of Defense
• Veteran Affairs
• TRICARE®/CHAMPUS (for active-duty service members)
• Employer Group Waiver Plans
  

The coupons also can’t be used for any state patient or pharmaceutical assistance programs, even if individuals pay out of pocket.

Additionally, the coupons can’t be combined with other Amazon discount programs such as Rxpass or Amazon Prime prescription savings benefits.

How it Works

1. Customers create an account and log into the Amazon Pharmacy.

2. Add your prescription in two ways;

• Transfer an existing prescription by providing the medication name and your current pharmacy.
• Ask your doctor to send a new prescription directly to Amazon Pharmacy, just like with other pharmacies.

3. Type in the name of your prescription to see the medication price with or without insurance. (Amazon Pharmacy accepts payment from most insurers. To check if your insurance is accepted, visit the page of the medication you need. For active prescriptions eligible for refill, choose “Check Insurance Price” and enter your information. Amazon Pharmacy accepts multiple insurance plans if you are covered by more than one. You can change your insurance information at any time. (Amazon accepts most insurance plans, but insurance isn’t required to use Amazon Pharmacy. Amazon will show you the copay price with insurance and the lowest price without insurance. There is no need to wait in line or spend time on the phone.)

4. When you check out, Amazon automatically applies eligible manufacturer coupons – and you don’t need to do anything to redeem them. If a particular coupon can be combined with insurance, Amazon will apply it and reduce the copay price.

5. The medication will be delivered to your door with status updates. (Prime members receive free two-day shipping, while regular members receive free 5-day shipping.) Amazon Pharmacy also offers automatic refills. Non-prime members get free 4–5-day or 2-day delivery for $5.99.

6. The insulin is sent in discreet temperature-safe packaging.

Insulin Savings Coming

With one in 10 Americans diagnosed with diabetes, medications continue to be a financial burden for over 14% of insulin-dependent individuals. Access to affordable insulin is more vital than ever before. Hopefully, Amazon is setting a trend in convenience and savings for those with diabetes.

It’s worth checking out Amazon’s insulin offerings, diabetes care products and other prescription savings through the Amazon Pharmacy, including the PillPack service and their on-call 24/7 pharmacist service. Learn more about Amazon Pharmacy coupons here or call an Amazon pharmacist at 855-745-5725.