Free and Discounted Diabetes Meds and Supplies 2026

👇Use the CHAPTERS below to navigate this video! Struggling to afford insulin or diabetes care? This video walks you through real options available in 2026. As a gerontologist and parent of a child living with Type 1 diabetes, I understand firsthand how overwhelming the cost of care can be—even with insurance. In this video, I break down: • How to access free or discounted insulin, diabetes meds (Metformin, Ozempic, & more), as well as supplies • Application process, eligibility & requirements for Manufacturer programs (Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly) • Emergency insulin options (including short-term supply programs) • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) for Prescriptions & free/low-cost in-house pharmacy • Nonprofit resources like NeedyMeds, GetInsulin.org, and more • When tools like National Council on Aging’s BenefitsCheckUp can help • The pros and cons of lower-cost insulin options (including Walmart insulin) • What to avoid when you’re desperate for insulin ⚠️ Most programs require an active prescription — I explain how to get one even if you don’t currently have a provider. This guide is updated for 2026 and based on both research and lived experience. 💬 If you’ve used any of these programs (or others), share your experience in the comments — it helps others more than you know. CHAPTERS 00:00 – 00:13 – Family Caregivers paying out of pocket for Senior Care 00:14 – 00:58 – Diabetes care costs 00:59 – 01:30 – My Story (Child with Type 1 Diabetes) 01:31 – 01:58 – No Doc or Prescription (Rx)? How to Get it FREE 01:59 – 04:14 – FQHCs (Free/Low-Cost Clinics Explained) 04:15 – 06:58 – Common Exclusions-DON'T SKIP! (Medicare LIS, Medicaid, etc.) 06:59 – 07:24 – Manufacturer PAPs vs Discounts (Intro) 07:25 – 12:54 – Lilly (Patient Assistance Program) Process 12:55 – 14:09 – Lilly Programs (Discount Program) Process - Lilly Insulin Value Program 14:10 – 15:26 – Novo Nordisk (overview of options) 15:26 – 18:06 – Novo Nordisk (Patient Assistance Program) Process 18:07 – 18:58 – Novo Nordisk(Discount Program) Process - MyInsulin Rx (formerly my$99Insulin) 18:59 – 19:32 – NeedyMeds 19:33 – 20:07 – GetInsulin.org 20:08 – 21:01 – Insulin for Life 21:02 – 21:36 – InsideRx 21:37 – 22:01 – Discounts & deductibles 22:02 – 23:51 – Cost Plus Pharmacy from Mark Cuban 23:52 – 24:46 – GoodRx & SingleCare 24:47 – 25:40 – FQHCs In-house Pharmacy 25:41 – 26:37 – NCOA Benefits Checkup 26:38 – 27:40 – Walmart Insulin (Important Warning) 27:41 – 28:25 – Costco Pharmacy 28:26 – 29:21 – What NOT to Do (Black Market Risks) 29:22 – 20:07 – Biosimilar insulin: what to ask your doctor 30:23 – 31:16 – Final Tips + Advocacy Message #insulin #diabetescare #caregiversupport #agingparents #diabetessupport 👉 Reach out to me directly here: [email protected] or visit kapoklifecare.com I work with caregivers one-on-one to help with a wide range of issues (benefits, caregiver strategies, navigating care, burnout relief, dementia care & more) - no contract, pro-rated & hourly advice. Kapok Life Care (work with me) kapoklifecare.com Kapok - blog (1,000's of ad-free articles on aging & caregiving) multiculturalcaregiving.com