Move will 'revolutionize the affordability of diabetes care'

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is launching the first-ever private brand analog insulin, which the company said Tuesday will revolutionize the affordability of diabetes care by offering customers significant price savings without compromising quality.

Dr. Cheryl Pegus

 

Available exclusively through Walmart’s private ReliOn brand, the new offering includes analog insulin vials ($72.88) and FlexPen ($85.88). These products will save customers between 58% to  75% off the cash price of branded analog insulin products, the retailer said, which translates to a savings of up to  $101 per branded vial or $251 per package of branded FlexPens.

The new private label ReliOn NovoLog Insulin (insulin aspart) injection, manufactured by  Novo Nordisk, is available in Walmart pharmacies this week and will be offered in Sam’s Club pharmacies in mid-July.

ReliOn  NovoLog is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes, the company said, noting that customers will need a  prescription in order to purchase the products.

“We know many people with diabetes struggle to manage the financial burden of this condition,  and we are focused on helping by providing affordable solutions,” said Walmart Health & Wellness executive vice president Dr. Cheryl Pegus. “We also know this is a  condition that disproportionately impacts underserved populations. With ReliOn NovoLog insulin, we’re adding a high-quality medication for diabetes to the already affordable ReliOn line  of products and continuing our commitment to improving access and lowering cost of care.”

“Now let’s talk a little bit about why this lunch is so innovative. The price of treatment compared to what is available today is the real innovation. Our new ReliOn NovoLog offering will include analog insulin vials retailing for $72.88, and flex pens retailing for $85.88. These products will save customers between 58% to 75% off the current cash price, particularly for those not using insurance. That’s a savings of up to $101 prevent branded vial or $251 per package of branded flex pins,” she explained.

“This price point, we hope, will improve and hopefully revolutionize the accessibility and affordability of insulin. We know that many people with diabetes struggle to manage this chronic condition because of its financial burden. We’re very proud to provide this affordable offering to millions who live with diabetes. Besides ReliOn Novolog, our customers can also access a variety of other affordable diabetes management resources in Walmart pharmacies, including the entire ReliOn line, which features blood glucose monitors, lancets, and other resources. Walmart Plus members can also get oral type two diabetes medications like Metformin for $0 copay in our pharmacies. We’re proud to always offer our customers more choices when it comes to their diabetes management, by providing a variety of accessible treatments, working with their providers and healthcare team to manage their diabetes,” Pegus concluded.

“Advancing health equity is central to our mission at Walmart. We recognize just how important it is for all customers to have access to affordable healthcare resources. Our ReliOn NovoLog insulin is our latest example of how we bringing this to life for our customers who live with diabetes. Many of our customers who live with diabetes often struggle to manage the high cost of their chronic conditions from insulin to blood glucose monitors, and other costly treatments. Diabetes is an expensive illness that comes with a significant and reoccurrent financial burden. Diabetes disproportionately impacts underserved populations,” said Warren Moore, vice president, Walmart Health and Wellness.

“In fact, Hispanic and black populations, are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Did you know that every 21 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes? With ReliOn Novolog, these customers can now access an affordable analog insulin with 58 to 75% savings off the cash price of similar branded products when not using insurance. Remember, that’s a savings of $101 versus the branded Bob and $251 versus a package of branded flex pins. These savings go directly back in the pockets of our customers. This means that our customers with diabetes can manage their chronic conditions with a quality, affordable treatment and realize financial savings that can be used for everyday needs like healthy foods and household expenses,” Moore added.

Walmart said it is already a destination for affordable diabetes resources, including blood glucose monitors,  lancets and other diabetes management essentials in the ReliOn portfolio. Notably, the retailer’s suite of affordable diabetes products offers customers choices when it comes to their diabetes management. Walmart did add that every patient is unique said customers should base treatment decisions on their health care provider’s recommendation.

“Diabetes often comes with high medical costs, estimated around $9,601 per person per year,” said American Diabetes Association CEO Tracey Brown. “We welcome all affordable solutions that make diabetes management more accessible to millions of Americans living with diabetes. We encourage everyone to ask their healthcare  provider questions to better understand what the right and affordable treatment is for their  unique medical needs.”

Walmart said the ReliOn NovoLog analog insulin offering is part of a history of introducing innovative solutions that increase access to quality, affordable health care resources, including the industry-leading $4 generic prescription program launched more than a decade ago. More information about Walmart’s affordable diabetes resources is available here.