Humulin R U-500

Indicated For

Diabetes

About This Medication

# Lilly Cares Patient Guide: How to Get Humulin R U-500 at Low or No Cost Humulin R U-500 (insulin regular human U-500) is a highly concentrated insulin prescribed for people with diabetes who need large doses to help control blood sugar levels. The **Lilly Cares** program from Eli Lilly and Company provides this medication **at no cost** to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients in the United States who meet income and other eligibility rules. ## About Humulin R U-500 **Humulin R U-500** is a concentrated form of regular human insulin, containing 500 units per milliliter—five times stronger than standard U-100 insulin. It's FDA-approved for adults and children with diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day. This concentration allows for smaller injection volumes, which can be more comfortable for patients needing high doses. It's typically used for mealtime (bolus) insulin coverage and should be administered with a U-500 insulin syringe or appropriate pen to avoid dosing errors. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions, as incorrect use can lead to serious low or high blood sugar episodes. ## Who Qualifies for Lilly Cares? To enroll in **Lilly Cares**, you must meet **all** these criteria: - Have a valid prescription for Humulin R U-500 from a U.S. healthcare provider. - Be a permanent resident of the United States (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). - Meet the program's household income guidelines (details below). - Not be enrolled in government programs like Medicaid, full Low-Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help) for Medicare, or VA benefits. - Be uninsured or underinsured, meaning private insurance doesn't fully cover your medication costs. The program is designed for patients facing financial hardship who can't otherwise afford their Lilly medications. Financial need is required, but exact income limits aren't publicly detailed in all sources—call (800) 545-6962 for your specific situation. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Lilly Cares bases eligibility on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), typically up to 400% or more depending on household size, cost-of-living adjustments, and program updates. Specific thresholds aren't listed in the application sources, but general guidelines follow standard patient assistance patterns. Contact the program for current figures, as they adjust annually. | Household Size | Estimated Max Annual Income (300-400% FPL)* | |----------------|--------------------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $45,000 - $60,000 | | 2 (Couple) | $60,000 - $81,000 | | 3 | $75,000 - $102,600 | | 4 | $90,000 - $123,600 | | +1 Person | Add ~$15,000 - $21,000 per person | *Estimates based on 2026 FPL; verify with Lilly Cares at (800) 545-6962. Notes: Income includes all household sources; deductions may apply for medical expenses. ## Insurance Requirements **Lilly Cares is for uninsured or underinsured patients**. You qualify if: - You have **no insurance** covering Humulin R U-500. - You have **private/commercial insurance** but face high copays, deductibles, or denials leaving you unable to afford the drug. You **do not qualify** if enrolled in: - Medicaid - Medicare Part D with full Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) - VA Benefits or other federal programs If you have Medicare without full Extra Help or commercial insurance, you may still be eligible if costs are unaffordable. Other Lilly options like the Insulin Value Program ($35/month for insured patients) may apply separately. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get Your Prescription**: Ask your doctor to complete the Lilly Cares Prescription Template (included in the application PDF). 2. **Gather Documents**: - Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, driver's license). - Proof of income (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letters for all household adults). - Prescription for Humulin R U-500. - Healthcare provider info (name, contact, NPI). 3. **Choose Application Method** (multiple options): - **Online**: Visit www.lillycares.com for the electronic form (recommended to speed processing). - **Download PDF**: Get it at https://www.lillycares.com/assets/pdf/lilly_cares_application.pdf. - **Phone**: Call (800) 545-6962 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-6 PM ET) for help or to start. 4. **Submit**: Mail or upload completed forms and documents. Include all info to avoid delays. 5. **Wait for Approval**: If approved, medication ships free. ## Timeline and Delivery Processing time varies but expect 2-4 weeks after complete submission. Supplies last 1-4 months (Humulin R U-500 typically 1-3 months max per sources). Medication is **shipped free** directly to your home or doctor's office. **Reauthorization is required** before each refill—your doctor must reconfirm need. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Lilly Insulin Value Program**: $35/month (or $25 for U-500) for any Lilly insulin with commercial insurance or uninsured. Download savings card at insulins.lilly.com. - **Simplefill**: Free service matches you to programs; apply at simplefill.com or (877) 386-0206. - **Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help)**: For Medicare patients; apply via SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if income <150% FPL. - **Other Discounts**: Check rxassist.org, patientadvocate.org, or nowpatient.com for coupons (up to 90% off). - **Findhelp.org**: Lilly partners for community resources. No biosimilar alternatives for Humulin R U-500 are currently available. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of 2026. Eligibility, income limits, and program details can change—**always verify directly with Lilly Cares at (800) 545-6962 or www.lillycares.com**. Not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider for treatment. Lilly Cares is not guaranteed approval; decisions are at program discretion. Medication errors with U-500 can be dangerous—use proper syringes.

Program information last verified: January 16, 2024