Having helped nearly 1,500 residents last year, San Antonio’s health department is once again providing financial assistance to residents with diabetes.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonians contending with diabetes and struggling to buy the insulin they need can now register for help from the city.
Metro Health said Friday that it was bringing back its Diabetes Insulin Assistance Program, a collaboration with H-E-B that can cover up to $100 for insulin prescriptions and refills for eligible San Antonio residents. It initially launched last year, when officials say it served 1,445 residents.
“This program aims to improve access to affordable insulin for individuals living with diabetes, ensuring that no resident goes without essential treatment due to financial barriers,” Metro Health said in a press release.
According to GoodRx, insulin prices have dropped in recent years, with one insulin unit costing 19 cents on average in 2024. The prescription drug price tracker says that was “the lowest average recorded (price) in more than a decade.”
At the same time, cartons of insulin pens or vials can range anywhere from $43 to $381, depending on the brand.
Those who might be running into financial obstacles trying to pay for their insulin can register to take advantage of the assistance now. All you have to do is have your doctor send your prescription to one of 19 participating H-E-B pharmacies (see those locations here) or drop it off in person.
Diabetes patients may also be asked to fill out a consent form allowing their contact information to be shared with Metro Health to be notified about free diabetes education workshops. Attending a workshop isn’t required for the financial help, but Metro Health says you can get other resources related to nutrition, physical wellbeing and other disease prevention assistance.
According to Metro Health, San Antonio City Council allocated $200,000 in 2024 for the program. Efforts to help the public will continue until that funding runs out.