The rising cost of insulin is becoming a deadly burden for millions
In short: For millions of Americans living with diabetes, the price of life-saving insulin is no longer just a financial concern. It is a matter of survival. As costs escalate, the gap between those with insurance and the uninsured widens, forcing many into dangerous choices that can lead to death.
In the United States, approximately 7.4 million people rely on insulin to manage diabetes. While insulin usage has remained stable over recent decades, the financial cost of accessing it has surged. Between 2002 and 2013, the price of insulin actually tripled, creating an astronomical cost for those who cannot live without it.
The financial impact of these rising prices is not felt equally across the population. Research using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2009–2018) shows that after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted, total insulin expenditure per person per year almost doubled, regardless of whether a person had insurance. Uninsured individuals saw annual out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses climb from $1,678 per person before the ACA to $2,800 per person annually after its implementation.
This disparity creates a dangerous divide. While insured individuals primarily see the financial burden absorbed by their insurance providers, the uninsured bear the brunt of the cost directly. This economic pressure is more than a nuisance; it is a lethal threat. When insulin becomes unaffordable, many are forced into rationing their doses, a practice that can be fatal. Advocates argue that this is a humanitarian crisis, calling for greater transparency and policy intervention to ensure that life-saving medication remains accessible and affordable for everyone.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Brooke Bennett: Why the price of insulin is a danger to diabetics
- Also: Exacerbation of financial burden of insulin and overall glucose‐lowing medications among uninsured population with diabetes
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