The US government shutdown is now the longest in history. Unfortunately,  a number of cases have come to light in which government employees with diabetes have been forced to ration their insulin and other basic supplies.  For those unable to afford insulin and other supplies, below is a list of resources that provide the quickest assistance. 

General resources

• Use a pharmacy co-pay coupon to help with out-of-pocket costs – you can typically get these online at the insulin company’s website, but here are links to common insulins:
  • Admelog
  • Basaglar
  • Humalog
  • Lantus
  • Novolog
  • Toujeo
  • Tresib
• Use a discount program like Blink Health, Inside Rx, or GoodRx.
• Use over-the-counter regular/NPH insulin (available at Walgreens, CVS, and Wal-Mart in many states). While these older insulins will not act in the same way as newer ones for everyone, it is an adequate stop-gap measure in an emergency.
• Call to see if you can get insulin samples from your diabetes healthcare provider.
• Reach out to the diabetes online community for assistance – while not a guarantee, people are often willing to share their insulin to help another person in need.

For those using Lilly or Sanofi insulin

• Call the Lilly Diabetes Solutions Center helpline at 833-808-1234. The solution center is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday. 
• Call the Sanofi Patient Connections program at 888-847-4877. The solution center is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday. 

If you feel you or your loved ones’ life is at risk, go to the nearest hospital or emergency care center.