The cost per pen for California’s new state-branded insulin, available to residents starting Jan. 1 under the CalRx initiative to lower prescription drug prices. Long-acting insulin pens — interchangeable with the generic version of Lantus — will be sold for $11 per pen, or $55 for a five-pack, compared with roughly $92 at market rates. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the move ensures “no Californian should ever have to ration insulin or go into debt to stay alive.” The rollout comes two years later than the governor’s original 2024 target.
