Tresiba (insulin degludec)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $60,240 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured or enrolled in a Medicare plan. Patients with commercial insurance are generally ineligible for the PAP but may use the savings card program.
Residency
U.S. resident with a valid address
Income Limits (400% FPL)
Income threshold is 400% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Medicare patients must have a total out-of-pocket prescription drug cost of $1,000 or more to qualify.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# How to Get Free Tresiba Through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
Who Qualifies for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)?
If you need Tresiba (insulin degludec) but cannot afford it, the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) may be able to provide it to you at no cost. This program is designed for people who meet income and insurance requirements and need help covering the cost of their diabetes medication. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $60,240 to qualify. On the insurance side, you must be either uninsured or enrolled in a Medicare plan — patients with active commercial or private insurance are generally not eligible for this program, though a separate savings card option may be available to them.
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About Tresiba (insulin degludec)
Tresiba is a long-acting insulin analog made by Novo Nordisk. It is FDA-approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a basal insulin, it is typically taken once daily and works over an extended period. Without insurance or assistance, Tresiba can cost several hundred dollars per month, placing it out of reach for many patients. There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Tresiba available in the United States, which means patients have limited lower-cost alternatives and rely heavily on programs like this PAP.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Novo Nordisk PAP uses income thresholds set at 400% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Here is how the limits break down by household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $60,240 |
| 2 persons | $81,760 |
| 3 persons | $103,280 |
| 4 persons | $124,800 |
Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. The program looks at your total household income, not just your personal earnings, so include income from anyone in your household when determining your size and income level.
If your income is above these limits, you will likely not qualify for the PAP. However, you may still have options — see the "Alternatives If You Don't Qualify" section below.
Medicare patients face an additional requirement: your total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs must be $1,000 or more to qualify. This threshold helps confirm that Medicare coverage is not adequately reducing your costs before PAP assistance is granted.
If your household size is larger than four people, income limits increase with each additional person. Contact Novo Nordisk directly at (866) 310-7549 to ask about your specific situation.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a key role in determining whether you qualify. Here is how different situations are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Tresiba through the Novo Nordisk PAP:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: a valid prescription for Tresiba signed by your healthcare provider, proof of income (most recent federal tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and a completed application form (with sections filled out by both you and your provider).
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax.
- Online: Visit https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/help-with-costs/pap.html to start your application digitally.
- By phone: Call (866) 310-7549 to speak with a program representative who can guide you through the process.
- By fax: Submit completed forms to (866) 441-4190.
3. Have your provider complete their section. The application requires a healthcare provider signature. Many providers are familiar with this process — ask your doctor's office for help if needed.
4. Submit all documents together. Incomplete applications may delay processing, so confirm everything is included before submitting.
5. Wait for a decision. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after Novo Nordisk receives your complete application.
6. Follow up if needed. If you have not heard back after 10 business days, call (866) 310-7549 to check your status.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is approved, Tresiba will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy. Novo Nordisk or a program representative will typically contact you or your provider to confirm approval. Make sure your shipping address is current on your application.
Your enrollment in the PAP is valid for one year. After that, you will need to reauthorize your eligibility annually by resubmitting updated income documentation and a current prescription. Novo Nordisk may send a reminder, but it is a good idea to track your renewal date yourself to avoid a gap in your supply.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the PAP, you still have options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilar alternatives: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilars for Tresiba in the United States. This option is not currently available, but it may change in the future.
2. Novo Nordisk Savings Card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for a savings card that reduces your out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy. Learn more at https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/products/tresiba/savings-card.html.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, particularly for older adults or people with disabilities. Search your state's health department website or ask your pharmacist for guidance.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, drug discount cards, and other cost-saving resources. Visit https://www.needymeds.org and search for Tresiba to see what is currently available.
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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/tresiba/let-us-help/pap.html](https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/products/tresiba/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 Part D patients may qualify, but there is an extra requirement. Your total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs must be $1,000 or more per year. You must also meet the income limits for your household size. If you meet both conditions, you can apply through the same process as other applicants.
Novo Nordisk typically processes complete applications within 7 to 10 business days. Once approved, your medication is shipped directly to your home. Make sure to submit all required documents — including your prescription and proof of income — at the same time to avoid delays.
The PAP is generally not available to patients with active commercial insurance, even if coverage is minimal. However, Novo Nordisk offers a savings card program for commercially insured patients. You can find more information at https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/products/tresiba/savings-card.html.
Yes. Your PAP enrollment lasts for one year. After that, you must reauthorize your eligibility by submitting updated proof of income and a current valid prescription. It is a good idea to start this process before your current enrollment period ends so you do not run out of medication.
No. As of now, there are no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Tresiba available in the United States. This means the brand-name product is the only option, which is part of why assistance programs like the Novo Nordisk PAP are so important for patients who cannot afford it.
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