The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began to see a disturbing trend a few years ago: increasing numbers of people — especially those in their 40s, 50s and 60s — were backing off important diabetes medications to save money.

Cigna’s Patient Assurance Program can help with that.

Those with diabetes can now manage their medication costs without having to cut back. The Cigna program controls costs and makes insulin and other diabetic drugs more affordable.

More than 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes, and more than 25% of those with diabetes use insulin. One in four people with diabetes who use insulin admitted to cutting back on it for financial reasons. 

The Patient Assurance Program was designed with those non-adherent members in mind. With it, insulin and diabetic medications are more affordable. City employees enrolled in a city health plan pay $25 or less for a 30-day supply of insulin or diabetic medication every time.

The Patient Assurance Program protects customers against high out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs are capped at $25 for a one-month prescription or $75 for a three-month prescription. Eligible customers can use the program by showing their Cigna I.D. card at the pharmacy when they fill one of the covered insulin or diabetic products.

Those already using Basaglar, Humulin, Humalog or Levemir, will see no additional steps needed. Others taking Farxiga, Glyxambi, Jardiance, Synjardy or Synardy XR, Turlicity or Zigduo XR may also take advantage of this program.

Anyone taking an insulin or a diabetic medication not included on the plan should speak with your doctor about whether switching to one that is covered under the program might work.

Also, Cigna Express Scripts Home Delivery is available to receive diabetic medication and supplies at a $0 copayment.