Yes, Medicare covers insulin, and recent legislation has significantly reduced the cost for Medicare beneficiaries. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, insulin covered by a Medicare Part D plan is now capped at $35 per month per insulin product.
The $35 Insulin Cap
Starting in 2023, Medicare Part D plans cannot charge more than $35 per month’s supply of covered insulin. This applies to all insulins on a plan’s formulary, regardless of which coverage phase you are in. You do not need to meet your deductible before the cap applies.
Insulin Coverage Through Part B
Medicare Part B (not Part D) covers insulin used with an insulin pump. If you use an insulin pump, your insulin is classified as durable medical equipment and covered under Part B at 80% (you pay 20% after the Part B deductible).
Types of Insulin Covered
| Insulin type | Typical coverage |
| Rapid-acting (Humalog, NovoLog, Fiasp) | Part D — $35/month cap |
| Long-acting (Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo) | Part D — $35/month cap |
| Intermediate-acting (NPH) | Part D — $35/month cap |
| Insulin for use in pump | Part B — 80% coverage (DME) |
Insulin Supplies
Insulin syringes, pen needles, alcohol swabs, and insulin pumps are covered under Part B as durable medical equipment or medical supplies. Your Part D plan may also cover lancets and test strips — check your plan’s formulary.
