Tresiba

Indicated For

Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes

About This Medication

# Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) Patient Guide: How to Get Tresiba (insulin degludec) at Low or No Cost Tresiba (insulin degludec) is a long-acting insulin used to help control blood sugar levels in adults and children with diabetes. The **Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)** offers this medication at no cost to eligible patients who are uninsured or have Medicare and meet income guidelines.[1][3] ## About Tresiba and Why This Program Matters **Tresiba** is a once-daily basal insulin that provides a steady release of insulin over 42 hours, offering flexibility in dosing time and helping maintain stable blood sugar levels. It's prescribed for type 1 and type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of high or low blood sugar episodes. Managing diabetes can be expensive, with insulin costs often exceeding hundreds of dollars monthly without assistance. The Novo Nordisk PAP bridges this gap by providing free Tresiba to qualifying U.S. citizens or legal residents who can't afford it.[1][3] This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and more in simple terms. Always consult your healthcare provider (HCP) before starting or changing insulin. ## Who Qualifies for the Program? To qualify, you must meet these key criteria: - Be a **U.S. citizen or legal resident** with a valid Social Security number.[1][2][6] - Have household income at or below **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**.[1][4] - Be **uninsured** or enrolled in **Medicare Part D** (no private/commercial insurance, Medicaid, Extra Help/LIS, VA benefits, or federally funded programs except Medicare Part D).[1][2][3] **Note**: Medicare patients no longer need to spend $1,000 out-of-pocket annually, per updated guidelines.[3][5] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is based on total household income ≤ **400% FPL**. Use an FPL calculator (like Needymeds.org) to check your status. Specific dollar thresholds vary by household size and year; they're not fixed in program docs but tied to federal guidelines.[1] Here's an example table for 2026 FPL (approximate; verify current at ASPE.hhs.gov): | Household Size | 100% FPL | 400% FPL (Eligibility Max) | |---------------|----------|----------------------------| | 1 | $15,060 | **$60,240** | | 2 | $20,440 | **$81,760** | | 3 | $25,820 | **$103,280** | | 4 | $31,200 | **$124,800** | | +1 person | +$5,380 | **+$21,520** | *Include all household income sources. Program may verify electronically with consent.*[1][2][4] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured patients**: Fully eligible if other criteria met.[1] - **Medicare Part D**: Eligible (apply by Nov 30 for coverage through year-end; reapply Oct 15+ for next year).[1][3][4] - **Not eligible**: Private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare Extra Help/LIS, VA drug benefits.[1][2] Underinsured? Confirm with Novo Nordisk; program targets those without ability to pay.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Gather Documents**: - HCP name, state, email, NPI, license #.[1][2] - Proof of income: Recent tax return (1040), paycheck stubs, SSA-1099, etc.[1][4] - Medicare card (if applicable).[1] - Government ID if prompted.[3] 2. **Choose Method** (multiple options): - **Online**: HCP starts via novocare.com; they get email link. You receive code to complete patient section (English only).[1][3] - **Paper**: Download PDF (English/Spanish) from https://www.novocare.com/content/dam/novonordisk/novocare/forms/PAP_Application_EN.pdf. Fill patient sections, take to HCP for prescriber/Rx completion. Sign certifications.[2][4] 3. **Submit**: - HCP faxes (866-441-4190) or mails to Novo Nordisk.[1][4] - Online: Auto-submits after both parties complete.[3] - Call **(800) 727-6500** or **1-866-310-7549** for help.[1] 4. **Consent**: Sign for electronic income/insurance verification.[2][10] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 2 business days if complete; up to 10-14 business days otherwise. Decisions by mail (or phone/text if opted in).[1][2][3] - **Delivery**: Shipped **directly to patient** (or HCP office in some cases). Allow 10-21 days post-approval.[2][3] - **Enrollment**: 12 months (uninsured); through Dec 31 (Medicare).[1][4] ## Reauthorization and Refills **Reauthorization required** annually. Reapply before enrollment ends. HCP may submit reorder forms for refills during enrollment.[1][3][6] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Biosimilars**: Insulin degludec (unbranded biologic).[provided] - **Other programs**: Check NeedyMeds, RxAssist, or NovoCare savings cards (if insured).[1] - **Appeal**: Contact helpline if denied; provide missing info.[1] - **State programs**: Explore 340B clinics or generic insulins. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available program details as of 2026. Eligibility/rules can change; verify with Novo Nordisk at (800) 727-6500 or novocare.com. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your HCP for treatment. Novo Nordisk not liable for application errors. Word count: 950.

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026