Why Insulin is so Expensive

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by Hatehumidity

Hmm, I am in S Florida and can get insulin in two near Counties but cannot get the syringes. I have to travel to a third for those. All at WalMart. 25 per vial,12 or so for the syringes 100 count. I am glad because cannot afford insurance/Obama care. That Lakeland WalMart has no clue or it's the county that forbids them to sell that. Check neighboring counties. Peace..PS THIS DISEASE SUCKS. Glad they found a cure for HEP-C..What about us? No money in HEP-C meds I guess.

I'm not having luck with the Lakeland Walmarts. I went to the other way on Thursday and asked about ways to get it cheaper. They just don't seem well versed in providing any solutions. With them its all about the prescription I give them, and no method to find a cheaper way. I was surprised there are not more walmarts around here in the Brandon Lakeland area. In fact I think one has been closed.

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

You can switch to a cheaper meter and strips...I use Walmart's Relion Prime which was $15 for the meter and $9 for 50 strips. Their lancing device was about $5 and lancets maybe $7...I don't change the lancet very often, usually I only change it if I'm letting someone else in the family use my lancing device. I buy the generic pen needles from Walmart and they're $9 for 50 needles.

I know exactly what you mean about it being difficult to afford the copays. It seems like when you have insurance, the doctors prescribe more expensive stuff. When I didn't have insurance, all the prescriptions I ever got were on the $4 list at Walmart. Maybe the fancier meds work better, I don't know. I just know that it all adds up.

I'm beginning to think much about Insurance in this country is a scam. Whether it be Health or Dental Insurance. In fact I think Dental Insurance is the biggest scam of all. I'm canx my BC Dental as soon as I am allowed to.

If things don't work out with this appointment I have with the VA, so I can get everything at a lower cost. Then I don't know I guess I will try a Tampa Walmart and see if I have any luck with what you are mentioning. I'm just not having any luck at the 2 Lakeland Walmarts.

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by Jimrob1

I'm not having luck with the Lakeland Walmarts. I went to the other way on Thursday and asked about ways to get it cheaper. They just don't seem well versed in providing any solutions. With them its all about the prescription I give them, and no method to find a cheaper way. I was surprised there are not more walmarts around here in the Brandon Lakeland area. In fact I think one has been closed.

The only insulin that I think they have over the counter is Novolin N100 in a 10 cc vial. Since my dog that used it died about a year ago, I do not know whether they still have or not. It was over the counter.

I would not show them a prescription. Just ask for the "over the counter version" of insulin. You will have to draw it up with a syringe, and you would first need to ask your doctor if it would be right for you and what dose to use.

This site says it's $26:

Novolin N Prices and Novolin N Coupons - GoodRx

Edited to add: any Walmart should be able to get the insulin. Ask to speak to a pharmacist if the person at the counter seems clueless.