The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has relaunched its Diabetes Insulin Assistance Program, which offers financial assistance to pay for insulin, a medication many diabetics need to survive.
Bexar County residents are now eligible to enroll in the program, which is administered in partnership with grocer H-E-B’s participating pharmacies. The program will remain available until its funding is exhausted, according to Metro Health officials.
Through the Diabetes Insulin Assistance Program, participating families may receive coverage for up to $100 per insulin prescription or refill. Proof of income, insurance and citizenship isn’t required to qualify.
Julius Hunter, senior management coordinator at Metro Health, said the program aims to close the affordability gap for insulin and improve access to the much-needed drug in San Antonio.
“One of the great things about this instant program provided by the city is that there are no strings attached. We’re not asking for a certain income level or certain information,” Hunter said. “People get frustrated with those barriers. Although there are lots of programs, the problem is often not knowing or not having the skills to access them.”
Diabetes is also prevalent in San Antonio, according to a recent University Health report. As of last year, nearly 17% of Bexar County residents 18 and older had been diagnosed with the condition — higher than the state average of 14%. The report also found the disease disproportionately affects the Hispanic population and residents who make less than $25,000 annually.
Although the federal government placed a $35 cap on insulin prices for uninsured individuals and Medicare recipients, a 2023 Senate investigation found factors such as geography, a lack of health literacy and poor pharmacy stock still hinder affordability. Those impediments contribute to high rates of diabetes-related hospitalization, amputation and mortality in the city, according to Metro Health officials.
The Insulin Assistance Program was originally launched in September 2024 and lasted until May 2025. Hunter said that the original program selected 19 H-E-B pharmacies to participate in the areas with the highest diabetes prevalence and hospitalization rates. It received positive feedback from the community.
“It was beautifully executed,” Hunter said. “We’re happy to repartner with H-E-B and look forward to success again.”
To participate, residents can either ask their healthcare provider to send their prescription to a participating H-E-B pharmacy or fill their prescription in person at one of those stores. For those who live within 15 miles of the pharmacy that fills their prescription, insulin delivery is also free.
In addition to insulin assistance, Metro Health offers free diabetes education workshops through its Diabetes Prevention & Control program. Workshop attendance isn’t required to receive financial assistance, but participants will receive free incentive items to help with nutrition and cooking, physical activity and overall chronic disease prevention.
More information about the Diabetes Insulin Assistance Program is available on its website or by calling 3-1-1.
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