Diabetes Update: This Is How Low-Income Americans Afford Insulin Treatment

The cost of insulin has risen by triple-digit percentage over the last five years. Its high cost is endangering people with diabetes, especially those who cannot afford pricey insulin costs.

Costs can range from $25 to $600 per month, depending on insurance. Because of the high costs, low-income patients with diabetes are being forced to choose between paying their bills and treatment, BABW News reported.

Endocrinologist Dr. Anne Camp who works at the Fair Haven Community Health Center stated via Washington News Wire that she has accommodated patients whose diabetes were out of control, simply because they cannot afford to buy or maintain their prescribed insulin. Several other patients who are prescribed insulin do not return for a follow-up because they are over embarrassed to tell others that they could not afford it.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) noted that there should be no diabetic patient that goes without insulin just because of high costs or accessibility issues. The association has stated that several parties involved in the path of medications, including pharmacy benefit managers, retailers and insurers should be transparent in their pricing policies so they can develop affordable and lasting solutions.

Americans with low incomes are able to get their insulin through Medicaid. Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, one of the three manufacturers of insulin, offers one year free medicine to low-income patients through patient assistance programs, although they would have to qualify first. Eli Lilly spokeswoman Julie Williams said, "Additional solutions are needed so all patients have access to their medicine."

Several patients of the Fair Haven clinic turn to discount retailers, like Wal-Mart, which offer cheaper but older insulin, according to Camp. Most doctors do not recommend this because this type of insulin is often not as effective in treating and managing diabetes.

The average cost of a month's supply of insulin to treat Fair Haven clinic patients with Type 2 diabetes is around $600 to $800, said Camp. Aside from diabetes, most patients have other health conditions, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure which also require treatment and medication.