More than 30 million Americans have diabetes and approximately 7.4 million require insulin. Between 2002-2013, the average price of insulin nearly tripled, creating financial hardships for people who rely on it to survive.
One company, Cigna’s Express Scripts, is working to lower the price for consumers by the end of the year. “Express Scripts, which manages prescription drug insurance for more than 80 million people, is launching a “patient assurance program” that Steve Miller, Cigna’s chief clinical officer, says “caps the copay for a patient at $25 a month for their insulin — no matter what.”
As the voices of people who rely on insulin are beginning to be heard, lawmakers are starting to take notice. The increase in prices has been deadly for some.
The full retail price of some insulins can cost up to $1,400 per month. Under Scripts new program, people who normally would have to meet their deductible will stay pay only $25 per month for their insulin.
A recent study conducted at Yale found that 25% of people utilizing insulin will dilute or skip doses altogether in order to save money. This can a
“The bottom line is that drug prices are set by drug makers,” he told lawmakers. “The list price for insulin has gone up dramatically — and that’s the price that many patients pay. This is what needs to come down. It’s as simple as that.”
Express Scripts will begin to offer the $25 co-pay deal close to the end of the year to those not covered by a government insurance program.
Insulin should be affordable for all. Click here for additional resources on how you can make a difference.
To learn more: “Express Scripts Takes Steps to Cut Insulin’s Price to Patients” – NPR
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