How to Reduce Your Cost for Insulin Degludec

Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) is one of the most effective basal insulins available, but it's also one of the most expensive. Without insurance, Tresiba can cost $300 to $500 per box of FlexTouch pens. Even with insurance, copays can be steep if Tresiba is on a non-preferred tier.

The good news: there are multiple programs, laws, and savings tools that can dramatically reduce — or even eliminate — your out-of-pocket cost for Insulin Degludec. Here's everything you need to know in 2026.

The $35 Insulin Cap: What It Means for You

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) caps the cost of insulin at $35 per month for Medicare Part D enrollees. This applies to all covered insulins, including Insulin Degludec (Tresiba). If you have Medicare Part D, you should never pay more than $35/month for your Tresiba prescription.

Many commercial insurers have voluntarily adopted similar $35 caps. Check with your insurance plan to see if this applies to you. If your pharmacy is charging more, ask your pharmacist to verify your plan's insulin cost-sharing rules.

Novo Nordisk Savings Programs

Tresiba Savings Card

Novo Nordisk offers a Tresiba Savings Card for commercially insured patients. Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 to $25 per month for their Insulin Degludec prescription. Key details:

• Available to patients with commercial (private) insurance
• Not available for Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded insurance
• Can be used at most retail pharmacies
• Register at NovoCare.com or ask your doctor's office for a card

Novo Nordisk Insulin Value Program

For patients who pay cash (no insurance), Novo Nordisk's Insulin Value Program caps the cost at $35 for up to a 90-day supply of Insulin Degludec. This is a manufacturer program, not tied to insurance. You can enroll at NovoCare.com or by calling 1-888-668-6444.

NovoCare Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

If you're uninsured or underinsured and meet income requirements, Novo Nordisk's Patient Assistance Program can provide Insulin Degludec for free. Eligibility typically requires:

• US residency
• No insurance or inadequate prescription coverage
• Household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level

Apply through NovoCare.com or call 1-888-668-6444. Your doctor's office can also submit the application on your behalf.

Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons

If you don't qualify for manufacturer programs or need additional savings, prescription discount cards can help reduce costs at retail pharmacies:

• GoodRx: Check goodrx.com/tresiba for current discount prices at pharmacies near you
• SingleCare: Visit singlecare.com for Tresiba coupons
• RxSaver: Compare prices at rxsaver.com
• Optum Perks: Check perks.optum.com for discounts

Important: Discount cards cannot be combined with insurance. They're most useful for cash-paying patients or when your insurance copay is higher than the discount card price.

Insurance Tips to Lower Your Cost

Check Your Formulary Tier

Insulin Degludec may be on different formulary tiers depending on your insurance plan. If it's on a non-preferred or specialty tier, your copay will be higher. Options:

• Ask about tier exceptions: Your doctor can submit a formulary exception request explaining why you need Insulin Degludec specifically (e.g., better glycemic control, fewer hypoglycemic episodes compared to alternatives).
• Check if step therapy applies: Some plans require you to try Insulin Glargine first. If you've already tried and failed glargine, document this to bypass step therapy.
• Use preferred pharmacies: Many plans offer lower copays at preferred pharmacy networks.

Consider a High-Deductible Plan Strategy

If you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you may pay full price until you hit your deductible. The Tresiba Savings Card or Insulin Value Program can help bridge this gap early in the year.

State-Level Insulin Affordability Laws

Several states have enacted their own insulin cost caps, often $25 to $100 per month regardless of insurance type. These laws vary by state and may cover Insulin Degludec. Check your state's health department or insurance commissioner website for details.

States with insulin cost caps include (but are not limited to): Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Washington, and West Virginia. More states continue to pass similar legislation.

Patient Assistance Databases

If you need help finding programs you qualify for, these free databases can help:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — comprehensive database of patient assistance programs
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — lists programs by medication
• RxHope (rxhope.com) — helps connect patients with manufacturer programs

Tips for Maximizing Savings

• Ask about U-200 vs U-100: The U-200 pen contains more insulin per pen, which can sometimes affect per-unit pricing. Ask your pharmacist to compare the cost of both formulations.
• Fill 90-day supplies: When possible, filling a 90-day supply (especially through mail-order) can reduce your per-month cost.
• Stack savings: Use the $35 insulin cap (if eligible) plus state laws for maximum protection. The Tresiba Savings Card can layer on top of commercial insurance.
• Don't pay list price: If your pharmacy quotes $400+ for Tresiba, stop and explore every option listed above before paying.

What If You Still Can't Afford Insulin Degludec?

If cost remains a barrier even after exploring all programs, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Insulin Glargine biosimilars (Semglee, Basaglar) are available at significantly lower prices and are effective for most patients. See our guide: Alternatives to Insulin Degludec.

If you're struggling to find Insulin Degludec at any price, use MedFinder to locate pharmacies with stock near you. See: How to Find Insulin Degludec in Stock Near You.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare Part D patients: You pay no more than $35/month for Insulin Degludec under the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Commercially insured: Use the Tresiba Savings Card to pay as little as $0-$25/month.
• Cash-paying: Novo Nordisk's Insulin Value Program caps cost at $35 for a 90-day supply.
• Uninsured: Apply for Novo Nordisk's Patient Assistance Program for free insulin.
• Use GoodRx, SingleCare, and other discount cards to compare prices.
• Check your state's insulin affordability laws — many states cap insulin costs.
• Never go without insulin because of cost — programs exist to help.