Levemir (insulin detemir)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $60,240 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured or a Medicare patient who does not have prescription coverage or has exhausted coverage. Those with Medicaid, VA benefits, or other private insurance are generally ineligible.
Residency
U.S. resident with a valid address
Income Limits (400% FPL)
Thresholds calculated at 400% of the 2025 FPL. Note: Novo Nordisk has announced the discontinuation of Levemir in the U.S. market, with final stocks expected to be exhausted by the end of 2024; patients are advised to transition to alternative treatments.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Levemir for Free or at Low Cost: A Guide to the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program
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Who Qualifies for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program?
If you need Levemir (insulin detemir) but cannot afford it, the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program may be able to provide it to you at no cost. To qualify, you generally need to meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $60,240 to be eligible. On the insurance side, you must be either uninsured or a Medicare patient without prescription drug coverage — those with Medicaid, VA benefits, or private insurance that covers prescription drugs are generally not eligible for this program.
Important notice: Novo Nordisk has announced that Levemir is being discontinued in the U.S. market, with final supplies expected to be exhausted by the end of 2024. If you currently use Levemir, speak with your doctor as soon as possible about transitioning to an alternative insulin.
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About Levemir (insulin detemir)
Levemir is a long-acting insulin analog used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with diabetes mellitus, including both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It works by providing a slow, steady release of insulin over an extended period, helping to control blood sugar between meals and overnight. Levemir is an FDA-approved prescription medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Like many brand-name insulin products, Levemir can carry a significant list price without insurance coverage, making it difficult for uninsured or underinsured patients to access. There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Levemir available in the United States.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program sets income limits based on your household size. The thresholds below are calculated at 400% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $60,240 |
| 2 persons | $81,760 |
| 3 persons | $103,280 |
| 4 persons | $124,800 |
If your household has more than four people, the income limit increases for each additional person. Contact the program directly at (866) 310-7549 to confirm the threshold for your household size.
Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since last year — for example, due to job loss — you may still be able to document your current financial situation using recent pay stubs rather than a tax return.
If your income is above the limit for your household size, you likely will not qualify for free medication through this program. However, you may still have other options, which are covered in the "Alternatives" section below.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program handles different situations:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Levemir through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program:
1. Confirm your eligibility. Review the income table and insurance requirements above before starting your application. If you are unsure, call (866) 310-7549 to speak with a program representative.
2. Gather your documents. You will need three items:
- A completed application form with your physician's signature
- Proof of income (your most recent federal tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs)
- A valid prescription for Levemir from your doctor
3. Choose your application method. You can apply in more than one way:
- Online: Visit https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/help-with-costs/pap.html to start your application digitally.
- By phone: Call (866) 310-7549 to apply with assistance or request paper forms.
- By fax: Submit completed paper forms to (866) 443-1001.
4. Have your doctor sign the application. The program requires a physician signature. Make sure your doctor's office is involved early in the process to avoid delays.
5. Submit your application along with all required documents through your chosen method.
6. Wait for confirmation. After submission, the program will review your application and notify you of the decision.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is submitted, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive confirmation of your approval status from Novo Nordisk or its fulfillment partner. If approved, your Levemir will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. No action is required at delivery beyond receiving the package.
Your enrollment in the program is not permanent. Annual reauthorization is required, meaning you will need to reapply and resubmit income documentation each year to continue receiving medication. Watch for renewal notices so your supply is not interrupted.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program, you still have options:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Levemir available in the U.S. However, given Levemir's discontinuation, your doctor may recommend switching to a similar long-acting insulin such as insulin glargine, which does have biosimilar options available at lower cost.
2. Manufacturer savings cards (insured patients): If you have private insurance, Novo Nordisk offers savings cards that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/help-with-costs/savings-cards.html to see if you are eligible.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states operate their own drug assistance programs, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities. Contact your state health department or benefits office to learn what is available where you live.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, searchable database at www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, copay cards, and state programs by drug name or condition. It is a good resource if you need to explore multiple options quickly.
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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Novo Nordisk. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/products/levemir/let-us-help/pap.html](https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/products/levemir/let-us-help/pap.html) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Novo Nordisk offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Yes. Medicare patients who do not have prescription drug coverage through Part D, or who have exhausted their available Part D benefits, may be eligible for the program. If you are unsure about your coverage status, call (866) 310-7549 to speak with a program representative before applying.
If you still have an active prescription for Levemir and need it now, you may apply while supplies last. However, you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible about switching to an alternative long-acting insulin. Final U.S. supplies of Levemir are expected to be exhausted by the end of 2024.
Approval through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program lasts for one year. After that, you must reapply and submit updated income documentation to continue receiving free medication. Watch for renewal notices from the program so there is no gap in your supply.
If your income exceeds the threshold for your household size, you generally will not qualify for this program. However, you may want to explore other options such as Novo Nordisk's savings cards for insured patients, your state's pharmaceutical assistance program, or NeedyMeds.org, which lists additional forms of financial help.
Yes. The application requires a physician signature, so your doctor's office must participate in the process. It is a good idea to let your doctor know you plan to apply so they can complete their portion of the form promptly and avoid delays in your application.
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