As the U.S. population continues to age, the number of adults over 65 living with diabetes is also increasing. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) estimates that more than 22 million people – one in three Medicare beneficiaries – have diabetes. 

For some, type 2 diabetes can be managed through proper diet and exercise. For others, however, access to affordable insulin is critical to being able to effectively manage their condition and lead vibrant lives. 

That’s why Cigna is volunteering to participate in the Part D Senior Savings Model in 2021, which was established by CMS to help keep insulin costs predictable. 

“Insulin is essential to the health and well-being of those Medicare beneficiaries who live with diabetes, and Cigna is committed to ensuring they can access it with affordable, predictable costs,” said Todd Rooker, president, Cigna Government Pharmacy. “Giving customers the confidence that they can afford every refill will not only help them manage their diabetes – it helps them avoid the long-term health consequences of skipping doses, such as vision loss, kidney failure, and heart attacks.” 

Cigna’s participation in this model will include three nationwide Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) offerings:

• Cigna Secure-Extra Rx and Express Scripts Medicare – Choice, both of which offer a $0 copay option for select insulins through the coverage gap at preferred pharmacies.
• Express Scripts Medicare – Saver, which offers a $35 copay option for select insulins through the coverage gap at any network pharmacy. 

Customers who qualify for Extra Help will be able to obtain insulin at $0 copays through the Cigna Secure Rx and Express Scripts Medicare – Value plan offerings. 

All six plans also offer $0 copay options for select medications purchased through preferred home delivery. 

“We’re committed to helping Medicare customers manage chronic conditions like diabetes by offering easy to understand, high-quality options,” said Rooker.

“Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever for people to take medications as prescribed to avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital. Our range of prescription drug plans gives Medicare customers affordable options for drugs like insulin so they can stay healthy.” 

To learn more about Cigna’s Prescription Drug Plans, click here.

To learn more about the Express Scripts Medicare plan options, click here

Express Scripts Medicare’s pharmacy network includes limited lower-cost, preferred pharmacies in rural areas in Alaska; and the Choice plan also includes limited lower-cost, preferred pharmacies in rural areas in Oklahoma. The lower costs advertised in our plan materials for these pharmacies may not be available at the pharmacy you use.