The Coronavirus pandemic is taking a grave toll on the nation’s health and economy, and people need to know that there is help out there. Whether it’s getting access to insulin, food, protective masks or discounts on gas for first responders — more companies are offering relief. Here is a shortlist of corporations granting discounts to the public during COVID-19.
Need insulin?
Eli Lilly announced that they would allow anyone with commercial health insurance or without health insurance to refill their insulin prescriptions for a $35 co-pay. The company introduced the Lilly Insulin Value Program, allowing anyone with commercial insurance and those without insurance at all to fill their monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35. The program covers most Lilly insulins including all Humalog (insulin lispro injection 100 units/mL) formulations.
Novo Nordisk Inc., the manufacturer of insulin, said it would offer free doses for 90 days to diabetes patients who lost coverage during the Coronavirus. People can enroll in the Diabetes Patient Assistance Program (PAP) and receive insulin free of charge for 90 days. “The impact of COVID-19 goes beyond that. We know people need more help right now, and we want to do something that could make an immediate difference. We also want to dial-up our efforts to make people aware of the help that is available,” Doug Langa, Executive Vice President, North America Operations, and President of Novo Nordisk Inc, said.
Through this enhancement, applicants are not required to provide documented proof of income. Participants must provide documentation showing loss of healthcare benefits, such as a job termination notice or job status change, or proof that COBRA benefits are being offered. If Medicaid benefits are denied, assistance for eligible patients can be extended past the 90-day-window until the end of the year. People applying for this program must have a valid prescription for a Novo Nordisk insulin and meet certain eligibility criteria, which can be found on NovoCare.com or by calling 1.844.NOVO4ME (668.6463).
Mask Kits
JOANN Fabrics is helping hospitals with free mask kits. They launched “The Mask Project,” where you can help make and donate masks to hospitals! The kit includes free tools, supplies and the site has a video on how to make masks. You can pick-up the curbside at your local store.
Car insurance
Car insurance companies are offering discounts during the Coronavirus outbreak. Allstate, the parent company of online insurer Esurance and agent-sold Encompass, will provide a “shelter-in-place payback” to car insurance customers. GEICO, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Progressive are also offering programs as well. Check with your provider for details.
Health insurance
Aetna will waive co-pays for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19, according to CVS Health. That includes all member costs associated with diagnostic testing for Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid lines of business. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of the program at their discretion. Aetna is also offering zero co-pay telemedicine visits for any reason, and it is extending its Medicare Advantage virtual evaluation and monitoring visit benefit to all fully insured members. CVS Health is offering several programs to help people address associated anxiety and stress. Find your insurance company here.
Discounts
Dollar General will give a 10 percent discount on qualifying purchases to all medical personnel, first responders and activated National Guardsmen.
Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer, said in a news release that they are deeply appreciative of the ongoing and brave work the frontline workers are doing. The discount will be in place through April 30 and may be extended based on the evolution of the pandemic.
Need some Joe? Starbucks is offering all front-line responders a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) through May 3.
Crocs announced it’s donating 10,000 pairs of shoes a day to the health care workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. “Now and always, we need to take care of each other,” the company tweeted.
“Sending love to you, #CrocNation. And sending free shoes to our frontline heroes in healthcare.”
McDonald’s is giving first responders and health care workers free meals as a “Thank you.”
BP is helping first responders, doctors, nurses and hospital workers. “Thank you for being on the front lines & keeping our communities safe. We are honored to support you by providing fuel discounts,” the company tweeted. Limited discount codes are available.
Among the closures and craziness of COVID-19, let’s all look at the bigger picture of spreading hope, love and kindness to others. Blessings to you and yours from the CNJ family!
Corine Gatti-Santillo has spent two decades as an editor, investigative reporter and web content strategist; her work has appeared in The Christian Post, LifeZette and CBN, among other outlets. She is host of the program “Mom on the Right” on The Liberty Beacon TV. She and her husband, Rocky, live in Virginia with their infant daughter and yellow lab Maggie.