While many people with diabetes may have health insurance, coverage gaps and inadequate coverage can mean higher costs associated with managing the condition. This can make insulin unaffordable and raise prices for medications, supplies, and doctor visits.

Life with diabetes can be expensive. The high cost of medications, supplies, doctor and healthcare visits, and insurance coverage can be a barrier to managing the condition as well as you’d prefer.

Most people with diabetes have health insurance coverage, but it’s common that many also find themselves without adequate insurance for what they need.

This 2024 research foundation survey found that 56% of people in the United States have insurance, but many have gaps in coverage or don’t have adequate coverage to get everything they need for their healthcare.

The report highlights:

  • 66% of the people who identified as underinsured had coverage through an employer, 16% had Medicaid or Medicare, and 14% were insured through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace or individual market.
  • 3 of 5 underinsured adults said they avoided treatment or healthcare because of cost
  • 2 of 5 working-age adults who reported a cost-related delay in their care said a health problem had worsened because of it

This 2023 research found that underinsurance rates are higher for children and their families with special healthcare needs compared to those without those special health needs. The same applies to adults with healthcare needs requiring more regular care and management, including diabetes.

The reasons for underinsurance may include the following:

  • high deductibles
  • cost-sharing and copays
  • insurance coverage denials for needed prescription medications and supplies, even if they’ve been prescribed by a doctor and are considered “medically necessary”

Beyond those who have insurance but may be underinsured, an estimated 7.9% of people in the United States do not have health insurance, except for those with insurance.

This 2025 research review shows that the trend of financial toxicity in diabetes care, whether it’s direct or indirect costs, is a significant challenge globally for people with diabetes managing their health.

Insulin affordability became an American crisis after the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). This was because the high costs of insulin that had been shielded prior to that by insurance copays were more commonly exposed, thanks to high deductibles.

As a result, many people with diabetes found themselves unable to afford the very medication they needed to survive and keep their blood sugars in range. This included people without any insurance and those considered underinsured.

Without insurance, a single bottle of insulin could cost more than $300. Depending on insurance coverage, a month’s supply could cost more than $1,000.

The drug pricing crisis wasn’t exclusive to insulin, but it highlighted a bigger policy problem in the United States that many other people — including those with diabetes on other medications — faced in trying to get what they needed for their healthcare.

This forced some people to skip insulin doses or ration insulin at different times, to save on the costs they couldn’t afford. Some died as a result of unaffordable insulin that led to rationing.

Where can I find help if I can’t afford my insulin?

  • Check with your doctor’s office about an emergency prescription or sample
  • Some pharmacies, depending on state laws, may be able to do an emergency refill of an existing insulin prescription
  • Contact the insulin manufacturer directly for any financial help programs or services
  • Connect with someone in your local diabetes community who might be able to offer help
  • Go to a local emergency room or urgent care center for possible insulin if you’re concerned about diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Insurance may cover diabetes supplies and devices.

But like everything else, those prescription items may have coverage restrictions or exemptions and your particular insurance plan may require you to pay for portion of the cost.

You can find help affording certain diabetes supplies, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

  • samples from your doctor’s office
  • financial assistance programs from medical device companies that may offer special financing or supplies
  • savings or discount programs, including Optum Perks

Yes, but you may want to keep a few important considerations in mind.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t allow sharing prescription medications or supplies with those who did not receive the prescription from the doctor.

But the insulin affordability crisis in America led to a growing black market in the United States, where people within the community connect with others online and in-person to donate various types of insulin or other diabetes supplies to each other directly or through grassroots efforts.

This may not be encouraged by healthcare professionals, but a late 2019 study encourages clinics and doctors to be aware of these underground networks to understand their patients’ resources and potential risks.

Programs and services that can help with affordability

Here are links to some important resource sites that can help:

While many people with diabetes may have health insurance, coverage gaps and inadequate coverage can mean higher costs associated with managing the condition.

This can make insulin unaffordable and raise prices for medications, supplies, and doctor visits.

You can find help in various ways, from talking with your doctor and healthcare team about possible samples or emergency prescriptions they might be able to offer. You may also contact your local pharmacy, or diabetes product manufacturer for financial assistance programs that could help pay for what you need.