Sanofi expands insulin savings program
Sanofi announced that beginning in June, it will further expand its innovative Insulins Valyou Savings Program. Those living with diabetes in the United States can pay $99 to access their Sanofi insulins with a valid prescription, for up to 10 boxes of pens and/or 10 mL vials per month.
The expansion of this program helps to address the challenge too many patients face regarding unpredictable and unaffordable pricing for their insulin, the company said.
One year ago, Sanofi launched the Insulins Valyou Savings Program to enable those who use cash to pay the set price of $99 for one 10mL vial or $149 for a box of pens. Now, up to 10 boxes of pens and/or 10mL vials will cost $99 per month. Since it was launched last April, the program, which is available in pharmacies within the United States, has resulted in approximately $10 million in savings for patients.
“It is unacceptable to Sanofi that some people living with diabetes are struggling to pay for their insulin, so we have moved to act creatively and aggressively to help address affordability and access needs,” Sanofi's head of North America Primary Care, Michelle Carnahan said. “By giving those who require both long-acting and/or mealtime insulins or use more than one box of pens or one vial per month access to their insulins for one flat price, we aim to help limit the burden on the individuals who have high out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter.”
People exposed to high out-of-pocket prices at the pharmacy counter can participate in the Insulins Valyou Savings Program regardless of income level. This includes those who are paying high retail prices for their insulin and those who don’t qualify for other patient assistance programs.
Under current government regulations, pharmaceutical companies cannot offer this type of program to patients insured under Medicare, Medicaid, or similar federal or state programs, though Sanofi supports changing rules to expand this access program to all those who might benefit.
“Sanofi is taking this vital, transformational action to make its insulins more affordable through this program. The U.S. diabetes community is in the middle of a crisis, because our dysfunctional healthcare system doesn’t allow equal, affordable, access to insulin. As patient advocates at diaTribe, we have been strongly urging manufacturers, insurers, healthcare providers, pharmacy benefit managers – and the government – to work together to help alleviate this problem. Today, we recognize Sanofi for their outstanding leadership in order to make their insulins available at a better price for all, regardless of income or dosing needs,” The diaTribe Foundation co founder, and president, Close Concerns, Kelly Close said.
Sanofi continues to offer other resources to make insulins more accessible including co-pay cards which may limit out-of-pocket expenses sometimes to $0 for all commercially insured patients regardless of income level. In addition, Sanofi offers assistance programs that provide medications, including insulin, at no charge for qualified low-income, uninsured patients through the patient assistance component of the Sanofi Patient Connection program. Together, these programs demonstrate the company’s dedication to finding support to help people living with diabetes gain access to the insulins they need.
Sanofi also encourages anyone who is prescribed a Sanofi medicine who may be having financial challenges or trouble navigating their insurance, to call Sanofi Patient Connection at (888) 847-4877 where eligible patients can be connected to the medicines and resources they need at no cost.
The expansion of this program helps to address the challenge too many patients face regarding unpredictable and unaffordable pricing for their insulin, the company said.
One year ago, Sanofi launched the Insulins Valyou Savings Program to enable those who use cash to pay the set price of $99 for one 10mL vial or $149 for a box of pens. Now, up to 10 boxes of pens and/or 10mL vials will cost $99 per month. Since it was launched last April, the program, which is available in pharmacies within the United States, has resulted in approximately $10 million in savings for patients.
“It is unacceptable to Sanofi that some people living with diabetes are struggling to pay for their insulin, so we have moved to act creatively and aggressively to help address affordability and access needs,” Sanofi's head of North America Primary Care, Michelle Carnahan said. “By giving those who require both long-acting and/or mealtime insulins or use more than one box of pens or one vial per month access to their insulins for one flat price, we aim to help limit the burden on the individuals who have high out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter.”
People exposed to high out-of-pocket prices at the pharmacy counter can participate in the Insulins Valyou Savings Program regardless of income level. This includes those who are paying high retail prices for their insulin and those who don’t qualify for other patient assistance programs.
Under current government regulations, pharmaceutical companies cannot offer this type of program to patients insured under Medicare, Medicaid, or similar federal or state programs, though Sanofi supports changing rules to expand this access program to all those who might benefit.
“Sanofi is taking this vital, transformational action to make its insulins more affordable through this program. The U.S. diabetes community is in the middle of a crisis, because our dysfunctional healthcare system doesn’t allow equal, affordable, access to insulin. As patient advocates at diaTribe, we have been strongly urging manufacturers, insurers, healthcare providers, pharmacy benefit managers – and the government – to work together to help alleviate this problem. Today, we recognize Sanofi for their outstanding leadership in order to make their insulins available at a better price for all, regardless of income or dosing needs,” The diaTribe Foundation co founder, and president, Close Concerns, Kelly Close said.
Sanofi continues to offer other resources to make insulins more accessible including co-pay cards which may limit out-of-pocket expenses sometimes to $0 for all commercially insured patients regardless of income level. In addition, Sanofi offers assistance programs that provide medications, including insulin, at no charge for qualified low-income, uninsured patients through the patient assistance component of the Sanofi Patient Connection program. Together, these programs demonstrate the company’s dedication to finding support to help people living with diabetes gain access to the insulins they need.
Sanofi also encourages anyone who is prescribed a Sanofi medicine who may be having financial challenges or trouble navigating their insurance, to call Sanofi Patient Connection at (888) 847-4877 where eligible patients can be connected to the medicines and resources they need at no cost.