"Insulin is notoriously expensive in the U.S. - more than 10 times the cost in other countries, according to one study. Kleck, a nurse practitioner at a community health clinic in Santa Cruz, where half of her patients worry about affording their insulin, said some are forced to "ration" their insulin in a dangerous attempt to save money."
"Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, kickstarted a plan in 2020 to contract the manufacturing of California's own insulin and sell it for less. That strategy, though behind schedule, is finally bearing fruit: Generic insulin branded "CalRx" will reach the market in January, at the more-affordable price of $55 for about a month's supply. In 2019, the average person with diabetes paid about $82 per month. It's the first time a U.S. state will sell its own insulin."
""I'm so reliant on this liquid," Kleck said. "I guess I try not to think about it a lot. I wouldn't be functional without it after three or four hours.""
Emma Kleck, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 7, depends on insulin continuously and cannot function without doses every few hours. Insulin prices in the U.S. exceed costs in other countries, prompting some patients to ration medication to save money. California launched a state-contracted insulin program producing a generic brand, CalRx, priced at about $55 for a month’s supply. A separate law will limit insurance copays and deductibles for insulin to $35 per month, with implementation varying by health plan beginning in January or by January 2027. Two Bay Area lawmakers advanced the legislation.
Read at The Mercury News
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