Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) members with diabetes who are covered under a fully insured employer group health plan will be able to obtain preferred insulin listed on the company’s formulary list, at no cost to them starting Jan. 1, 2022.

The financial burden of diabetes is substantial. According to the CDC, the disease costs the United States an estimated $327 billion annually due to increased medical costs and lost wages. The CDC also reports that people with diagnosed diabetes have on average 2.3 times higher medical costs than those without the disease.

“The price of prescription drugs, particularly insulin, can be a costly concern for many of our members,” said Clint Williams, PharmD, vice president of pharmacy and clinical operations for BCBSNE. “The $0 cost insulin offering illustrates how BCBSNE is committed to providing access to affordable health care by removing this financial barrier.”

The $0 cost share insulin benefit compliments BCBSNE’s other diabetes management and reversal program offerings, such as personalized care management for diabetic members and a Type 2 diabetes reversal program.

“BCBSNE is proud to offer various options to help our members make their health journeys easier,” said Dr. Josette Gordon-Simet, senior medical director for BCBSNE. “Insulin therapy plays a key role in managing blood sugar and preventing complications for diabetic patients, by providing fully insured members this necessary drug at no cost in combination with our other programs, we are offering our members the tools to help them live the healthiest way possible.”

The $0 cost insulin benefit is automatically being added to all BCBSNE fully insured group health plans. Self-insured employer groups have the option of adding this benefit to their plans as well. The full list of insulins covered is on our website.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska

Through births and broken bones, tests and treatments, trauma and triumphs, BCBSNE is there with you. Since 1939, we have ensured coverage for the care you need, access to the providers you trust and support from a team that’s right here in Nebraska. As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, BCBSNE represents the nation’s most experienced health insurance brands that collectively cover one in three Americans. Learn more at NebraskaBlue.com.