Insulin Cost Warrants Call for Congressional Investigation
Increasing costs for medication to manage diabetes have become a life-threatening obstacle and the American Diabetes Association is calling for action. Despite advancements in manufacturing since the discovery of insulin almost a century ago, a recent study in Journal of American Medical Association noted cost has nearly tripled in just over a decade.
A petition is being circulated in an effort to increase transparency and access for those relying on insulin medication. While prescription assistance programs provide some relief, cost differentials for uninsured versus insured patients remain a factor. Patients choosing to alter provider recommendations or dosage based on affordability can experience severe complications including blindness, amputation and kidney failure.
While insulin is one treatment tool for those with diabetes, the Community Guide also recommends self-management programs such as Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) and the Stanford Diabetes Self-Management workshops to improve health outcomes for those with diabetes.
Contact a Great Plain QIN staff member for more information on reducing disparities in diabetes care.