Optum to Offer Lower-Cost Insulin for Uninsured People Living With Diabetes on Optum Store

Rhea-AI Summary

Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), has partnered with Sanofi to offer a 30-day supply of insulin for $35, targeting uninsured individuals with diabetes. This initiative aims to enhance patient access and affordability. Available with a valid prescription through the Optum Store, the program highlights the urgency for affordable insulin, according to CEO Heather Cianfrocco. This move follows UnitedHealthcare's recent announcement to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for certain prescription drugs, further reflecting the company's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.

Positive

• Introduction of a $35 insulin supply for uninsured diabetes patients, enhancing access to medication.
• Optum's collaboration with Sanofi demonstrates a commitment to affordability and patient care.
• UnitedHealthcare's elimination of out-of-pocket costs for specific prescription drugs signifies strong support for patients.

Negative

• None.

• People living with diabetes who do not have insurance will pay $35 for a 30-day supply of Sanofi US insulins

• Action is part of ongoing efforts to improve access and drive affordability in areas of greatest need

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- To support patient access to affordable insulin, Optum, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, is working with Sanofi to offer a 30-day supply of commonly used Sanofi insulins for $35 to people with diabetes who do not have insurance, through its online health services and products retailer Optum Store.

Available now with a valid prescription, this new, lower-cost insulin solution accelerates UnitedHealth Group’s ongoing effort to ensure people get the prescription medications they need and make health care more affordable. Last month, UnitedHealthcare announced plans to eliminate out-of-pocket costs in standard fully insured group plans for certain preferred prescription drugs, including insulin and several drugs used to treat emergencies.

“The need for affordable insulin is urgent, especially for uninsured populations,” said Heather Cianfrocco, chief executive officer of Optum Rx. “By working with Sanofi, we will improve access and lower costs for people who need this life-saving medication.”

As a leading pharmacy care provider, Optum partners with stakeholders across the health system to help bridge the gap of providing access to affordable health care services and medications, with a priority on lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients. Leveraging its core clinical and pharmacy benefit capabilities, Optum negotiates lower prices and discounts to help provide affordable, convenient access to needed medications.

People can access Optum Store to determine whether their insulin is part of the affordability program, get qualified and download an insulin savings card, and then fill their prescription at the $35 price point at any retail pharmacy. A mail-service option will soon be available for people who prefer home delivery through the Optum Store.

“This collaboration supports Sanofi’s ambition to ensure every person in the U.S. living with diabetes can access and afford the insulin they need,” said Adam Gluck, senior vice president of U.S. corporate affairs, Sanofi. “This collaboration builds on the many programs, like the Insulins Valyou Savings Program, we’ve implemented to help to deliver on our goal to reduce patient out-of-pocket costs by working with Optum to create yet another access point for affordable insulin.”

The Optum Store is an integrated health care marketplace offering prescriptions, a wide variety of everyday health and wellness products, online doctor visits, and mental health therapy – no insurance required. For prescription medications, Optum Store offers free shipping in all 50 states, auto-refills and seamless integration with virtual care. Visit optumstore.com to learn more.

About Optum

Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. With more than 210,000 people worldwide, Optum delivers intelligent, integrated solutions that help to modernize the health system and improve overall population health. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). For more information, visit www.Optum.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220801005282/en/

Jennifer Statham

(952) 205-7747

jennifer.statham@optum.com

Source: Optum

FAQ

What is the new insulin pricing for uninsured patients by UnitedHealth Group (UNH)?

Optum, a UnitedHealth Group company, offers a 30-day supply of Sanofi insulin for $35 to uninsured diabetes patients.

When did UnitedHealth Group (UNH) announce its affordable insulin initiative?

The initiative was announced recently, with details provided in a press release.

How can uninsured individuals access the $35 insulin through Optum?

Uninsured individuals can access the $35 insulin by obtaining a valid prescription and purchasing it through the Optum Store.

What other healthcare costs is UnitedHealth Group (UNH) addressing?

UnitedHealthcare has recently announced plans to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for certain preferred prescription drugs, including insulin.