Cigna Insurance not covering Novolog. (insulin, work, Humalog)

[don1945]

My Son has been insulin dependent for the past 17 years, he has Cigna Health coverage also for years. He just got a letter that effective 7/1/16 they will no longer pay for Novolog and he needs to find a generic. Problem is, there is no generic that works for him.

He called his Dr today and they hadn't heard about this, and asked for a copy of the letter to review and possibly appeal. But it doesn't look promising. Almost seems impossible that they can say "Sorry, you are now on your own !"

Have any of you been affected by this and what are you doing ?

Thanks,

Don

[Hedgehog_Mom]

I take a prescription that my insurance generally doesn't cover. My doctor thought it was the best choice for my particular situation and sent in paperwork to get the insurance to cover it. After a year, the insurance said I had to try one of their covered alternatives before they would authorize it again. I tried it and had a serious allergic reaction. After that, my doctor sent in paperwork again and the insurance is covering the medication again.

There has to be some sort of process for your son to appeal the change and get his medication covered again.

[Paquita]

Novolog is the generic of Humalog.

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by Paquita

Novolog is the generic of Humalog.

Both are quick acting insulins but they are not exactly the same drug.

OP, your son may be able to switch to Humalog with no problem. If his doctor does not think that will be a good idea he can appeal the decision by the insurance company.

[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by don1945

My Son has been insulin dependent for the past 17 years, he has Cigna Health coverage also for years. He just got a letter that effective 7/1/16 they will no longer pay for Novolog and he needs to find a generic. Problem is, there is no generic that works for him.

He called his Dr today and they hadn't heard about this, and asked for a copy of the letter to review and possibly appeal. But it doesn't look promising. Almost seems impossible that they can say "Sorry, you are now on your own !"

Have any of you been affected by this and what are you doing ?

Thanks,

Don

I also thought Novalog was the generic version of Humalog. At any rate, you may be able to get a discount card for Humalog at their website.

Humalog U-200 Kwikpen - Humalog (insulin lispro injection, USP [rDNA origin])

Scroll to the bottom where it says "need a card" ? click on "get a savings card"

I'm not sure if they ask for financial info, but they will ask for insurance info.

[TaraBann]

Originally Posted by don1945

My Son has been insulin dependent for the past 17 years, he has Cigna Health coverage also for years. He just got a letter that effective 7/1/16 they will no longer pay for Novolog and he needs to find a generic. Problem is, there is no generic that works for him.

He called his Dr today and they hadn't heard about this, and asked for a copy of the letter to review and possibly appeal. But it doesn't look promising. Almost seems impossible that they can say "Sorry, you are now on your own !"

Have any of you been affected by this and what are you doing ?

Thanks,

Don

Fight fight fight..

First. novolog and humalog are similar.. BUT Novolog is the name brand of aspart and humalog is name brand of Lispro.

There is no generic version of either at this point.

I remember one of my insurance wouldn't cover Humalog but would cover Novolog so I briefly switched brands.. You could try that.

BUT you need to fight it with the insurance company.. and take it as far as fighting it to the external insurance board. It's complete BS (I hate our healthcare system and I hate insurance companies.. evil SOB's)

Other alternative may be to purchase it from canada https://www.canadianinsulin.com/novo...nsulin-aspart/

They have it at around $80 a vial versus around $300 here in the states. Seems Novolog is less expensive than humalog (which is currently $325/vial) .

Here are the 2016 guidelines for treatment with intensive insulin therapy with short acting insulin as being the standard of care. This varies on you and your personal case (for example, if you hav a history of hypo they suggest pump therapy with short acting works best).

Good luck.. fight them like hell .. the freaking evil bastards!

canadian insulin site

https://www.canadianinsulin.com/novo...nsulin-aspart/

Humolog is $175 for 2 vials vs $325 for1 in the U.S