Insulin Affordability Crisis: A Dilemma for Diabetics and Healthcare

Insulin: A Lifeline for Diabetics

Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use glucose from food for energy. For people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin well, leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels. Insulin is essential for managing diabetes and preventing serious complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.

The Soaring Cost of Insulin

In recent years, the cost of insulin has skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for diabetics to afford the medication they need to survive. According to the American Diabetes Association, the average price of a vial of insulin has increased by more than 1,200% since 1996.

Devastating Impact on Diabetics

The high cost of insulin has a devastating impact on diabetics. Many are forced to ration their insulin or skip doses entirely, which can have life-threatening consequences. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nearly 1.3 million diabetics in the United States have rationed their insulin due to cost, and nearly 20% have considered skipping doses.

Insulin Pricing and the Pharmaceutical Industry

The high cost of insulin is largely due to the dominance of three pharmaceutical companies: Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi. These companies have been accused of price gouging and using anti-competitive tactics to protect their market share.

Policy and Advocacy Efforts

To address the insulin affordability crisis, Congress has passed several laws and regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which expanded access to health insurance and provided subsidies to lower prescription drug costs for low-income individuals. Additionally, the Insulin Price Reduction Act, passed in 2023, capped insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.

What You Can Do

If you are a diabetic struggling to afford insulin, you may be eligible for financial assistance through programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance plans. You can also talk to your doctor about generic insulin options, which may be more affordable. Additionally, you can support advocacy efforts to lower the cost of insulin and improve access to care for all diabetics.