Amazon Pharmacy Announces Insulin Discounts with Automatic, Manufacturer-sponsored Coupons

Patients with diabetes will soon be able to save money when ordering insulin and commonly prescribed products, such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin vials, and pumps.

In a news release today, Amazon Pharmacy said it will begin automatically applying manufacturer-sponsored coupons to more than 15 insulin and diabetes care brands, including Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Dexcom, and Insulet. With the coupons, those brands will be available to eligible patients, regardless of their insurance status, starting at $35 a month. Patients will also get free delivery and 24/7 access to Amazon pharmacists, according to the release.

“Access to affordable diabetes medications and technology can help people living with diabetes stay healthy and avoid complications. Sadly, some of the more than 37 million Americans living with diabetes can’t afford the treatments they need to survive,” said Charles Henderson, chief executive officer of the American Diabetes Association, in the Amazon statement.

In March of this year, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofiannounced they would be reducing the price of insulin by ≥70% for patients with diabetes after more than a decade of rising costs that has led patients to start rationing their insulin.

Although coupons for medications are not new, finding coupons and redeeming them can be difficult for patients. According to Amazon, approximately 85% of manufacturer-sponsored coupons are not used.

“To solve for this, Amazon developed technology that automatically applies eligible coupons at checkout, so customers won’t have to do any additional work to get the savings,” wrote Amazon in the statement. Automatic coupons can be used by any eligible patient whether they are insured, underinsured, or insured.

“Even though upfront pricing sounds obvious, it’s a sea change in health care. As a physician, it’s heartening to know that patients will have visibility into the cost of their insulin before they stand in line or wait to speak with a pharmacist. And, if the cost isn’t what they anticipate, we can more quickly find other options that are affordable and appropriate to their care,” said Vin Gupta, MD, MPA, chief medical officer of Amazon Pharmacy, in the release.

“Automatically applying coupons allows patients to better access medications that are effective and affordable, and this combination can improve adherence and support better care,” added Gupta.

Reference: Amazon Pharmacy customers can now save on insulin with automatic coupons. Amazon. News release. Published August 15, 2023. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-pharmacy-insulin-coupons