Sanofi's Valyou Savings Program Sets Monthly Insulin Price at $99
By Jeemin Kwon
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By Jeemin Kwon
Sanofi covers all insulins under this program, including Toujeo, Lantus, Admelog, Apidra
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Sanofi has taken an additional step to help people paying high out-of-pocket costs for insulin – those eligible for the Valyou Savings Program for Insulins will pay a flat $99 per month for up to ten 10-ml vials and/or boxes of pens. This is incredible news for those that use more than one vial of insulin per month. Lantus, Toujeo, Admelog, and Apidra are covered under this program – Toujeo is Sanofi’s newest basal insulin.
To be eligible, you must:
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Be a resident of the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the US Virgin Islands
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Be over 18 years of age (caregivers may use this program on behalf of a child)
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Not have private or commercial insurance
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Not be enrolled in or eligible for any government health insurance such as Medicaid, Medicare, or VA, TRICARE, DOD, etc.
The Valyou program began last year and was designed for people who: (i) do not have prescription medication insurance; and (ii) are not eligible for patient assistance programs. This program does not look at income level to determine eligibility.
When it initially launched, the Valyou Savings Program priced one 10 mL vial at $99, or a pack of SoloStar pens for $149 per month. Under the previous program, someone who needed two vials and one box of pens would pay nearly $350 per month. With the upcoming change, the cost comes down to a flat $99 – regardless of the quantity of insulin needed.
In response to growing scrutiny from policymakers, insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are taking action, in addition to insulin manufacturers. Cigna and Express Scripts, for example, have decided to limit the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin to $25. Called the “Patient Assurance Program,” it will be available to “members in participating non-government funded pharmacy plans managed by Express Scripts, including Cigna and many other health plans.”
According to Sanofi’s press release, the Valyou Savings Program has resulted in approximately $10 million in savings for people with diabetes so far. diaTribe Editor-in-Chief Kelly Close said, “The US diabetes community is in the middle of a crisis. 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.”
