The price of insulin in the U.S. has more than tripled since 2003. The price hikes are forcing some people into dangerous compromises.
A quarter of adults with diabetes say that they’ve asked their doctor for lower-cost insulin, the life-saving hormone that controls their blood sugar levels. That’s according to a new survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Women and elderly people are most likely to ration insulin until they can afford the next prescription, which has lead to deaths. The CDC found that rising insulin costs affect people who don’t have health insurance the most and that on average, people with diabetics spend at least $5,000 on insulin every year. Oklahomans are particularly vulnerable.
The Sooner state has the second-highest uninsured rate in the nation and a climbing diabetic rate. It’s already one of the highest in the country.