Let's break down health insurance

What’s the difference between medical vs prescription insurance?

Medical insurance generally covers expenses like doctor visits, lab work, and hospital stays.

Prescription insurance generally covers prescription drugs.

Your health insurer may cover both types of insurance in one plan, or separate them into two parts. If your prescriptions are covered separately, you may have a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM). To find out how your prescriptions are covered, go to your health insurer’s website or call its customer service number, which you may find on your health insurance card.

Is my medicine covered by health insurance?

The answer to this can be confusing: It varies by insurance company and plan. Generally, insurance companies set up a formulary—a list of drugs that the plan covers. To find out whether your medicine is covered, check your formulary or call your health insurance company.

How can I get health insurance if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have health insurance, we have information on the types of things you should consider when finding a plan that’s right for you.

How can I afford my medicine if I don’t have health insurance?

You may benefit from:

• Resources from Novo Nordisk
• The Medicine Assistance Tool, a search engine for resources that can help you pay for prescriptions
• A prescription discount card such as GoodRx

Ask your doctor for other resources that may help.

What is “commercial” health insurance?

Also called “private insurance,” this is a health insurance plan provided by and administered by a private insurance company rather than the government. You may receive it through your employer.

Is Medicare the same as Medicare Part D?

Not exactly. Medicare covers many types of services, and it’s divided into four parts. Part D helps patients pay for outpatient prescription drugs.