The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is urging people to sign a petition to support those struggling with insulin affordability. More than 377,207 have signed the petition.
Insulin is a unique medication life-saving medication with no alternative therapies.
According to the ADA, the annual cost of diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes in the U.S. have skyrocketed to $327 billion in 2017, a 26 percent increase in just five years. Between 2002 and 2013, the average price of insulin has nearly tripled.
At the same time, the non-profit estimates the cost of insulin has risen steadily, creating financial hardships for individuals who rely on it to survive, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured.
The ADA supports several promising avenues for change, including:
- Placing off-patent diabetes medications, including insulin, in the lowest cost-sharing tier on all formularies
- Supports the authorization of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to negotiate prices for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D
- Supports the move toward value-based benefit design from the current fee-for-service system to incentivize better outcomes, in addition to promoting adherence to recommended therapy to reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
“As an advocate for all people affected by diabetes, we strongly encourage transparency by all parties in their pricing policies as well as the continued dialogue across the diabetes marketplace, in public policy and in the private sector, to develop lasting, affordable solutions,” the ADA indicates in their statement.
Insulin Facts from the ADA:
- More than 30 million Americans have diabetes and approximately 7.4 million depend on insulin.
- Diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. cost $327 billion in 2017, a 26 percent increase in five years.
- Between 2002-2013, the average price of insulin nearly tripled, creating financial hardships for people who rely on it to survive.
- In much of Europe, insulin costs about a sixth of what it does in the United States.
- Some people with diabetes are cutting back on or skipping doses of insulin – or foregoing other necessities to pay for insulin – which puts their lives and health at risk.
- People with diabetes are at significant risk for serious complications including kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, blindness, and lower-limb amputations.
Learn more and sign the petition here.