Express Scripts launches program to cap members' out-of-pocket insulin spending

Express Scripts is launching a program that will cap insulin costs for eligible diabetes patients at $25 for a 30-day supply. The Express Scripts Patient Assurance Program will be open to members of non-government funded pharmacy plans whose out-of-pocket costs exceed $25, Express Scripts and Cigna announced Wednesday morning. For most eligible members, this will lead to lower costs at the pharmacy counter without increasing the cost of the plan itself, Express Scripts said.  Three drug companies are participating in the program: Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi. Members in Express Scripts and Cigna coverage that use insulin averaged $41.50 for a 30-day supply in 2018, so the new program will save them an average of 40%. But the program will be applicable to high-deductible plans as well, members of which are exposed to high cost-sharing before meeting their deductibles.