Lower the Cost of Insulin in the U.S
Lower the Cost of Insulin in the U.S
The Issue
Insulin is a life-saving drug for people living with Type 1 diabetes. It is delivered into the bloodstream through injection to lower blood glucose levels. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that cannot produce insulin naturally, making it essential for them to rely on insulin to regulate their blood glucose and survive. Insulin became commercially available in 1923 after Dr. Frederick Banting, Charles Best, and John Macleod successfully administered the first insulin injection to a 14-year-old boy in January 1922.
Initially, insulin was sold for $1 because its creators wanted it to be accessible to everyone who needed it. Today, however, retail prices in the U.S. range from $100–$200 for short-acting insulin and $200–$350 for long-acting insulin, both of which must be used daily. These costs are in addition to the price of needles, test strips, alcohol swabs, blood monitors, and doctor appointments. Since its creation, the cost of insulin has increased by over 1,000%, driven by big pharmaceutical companies.
In 2023, Congress proposed and passed a bill that placed a 35$ cap on certain brands of insulin, including Humalog and Humulin. However, this bill only applies to Medicare beneficiaries. This results in millions of Americans who are under the age of 65 who either use private insurance or don't have any at all exposed to high insulin prices.
This dramatic price increase makes it difficult for many people, including immigrants, low-income individuals, and those without insurance, to afford insulin. As a result, some are forced to ration their insulin, taking less than they need to make it last longer. Rationing insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or even death. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies like Sanofi, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk continue to profit immensely, earning millions of dollars annually from the rising cost of insulin. Sign this petition to urge the government to enact laws that regulate the price of insulin and ensure this life-saving medication is affordable for everyone who needs it. ACT NOW to save innocent lives.
WAYS TO TAKE ACTION:
TALK!! Spread awareness regarding the cost of insulin via social media, local community events, and protests to bring attention!
Visit: https://www.endocrine.org/advocacy/position-statements/increasing-insulin-affordability
Write to congress members! Rep. DeGette is currently working to lower insulin prices. Visit her page: https://degette.house.gov/issues/price-insulin
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The Issue
Insulin is a life-saving drug for people living with Type 1 diabetes. It is delivered into the bloodstream through injection to lower blood glucose levels. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that cannot produce insulin naturally, making it essential for them to rely on insulin to regulate their blood glucose and survive. Insulin became commercially available in 1923 after Dr. Frederick Banting, Charles Best, and John Macleod successfully administered the first insulin injection to a 14-year-old boy in January 1922.
Initially, insulin was sold for $1 because its creators wanted it to be accessible to everyone who needed it. Today, however, retail prices in the U.S. range from $100–$200 for short-acting insulin and $200–$350 for long-acting insulin, both of which must be used daily. These costs are in addition to the price of needles, test strips, alcohol swabs, blood monitors, and doctor appointments. Since its creation, the cost of insulin has increased by over 1,000%, driven by big pharmaceutical companies.
In 2023, Congress proposed and passed a bill that placed a 35$ cap on certain brands of insulin, including Humalog and Humulin. However, this bill only applies to Medicare beneficiaries. This results in millions of Americans who are under the age of 65 who either use private insurance or don't have any at all exposed to high insulin prices.
This dramatic price increase makes it difficult for many people, including immigrants, low-income individuals, and those without insurance, to afford insulin. As a result, some are forced to ration their insulin, taking less than they need to make it last longer. Rationing insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or even death. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies like Sanofi, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk continue to profit immensely, earning millions of dollars annually from the rising cost of insulin. Sign this petition to urge the government to enact laws that regulate the price of insulin and ensure this life-saving medication is affordable for everyone who needs it. ACT NOW to save innocent lives.
WAYS TO TAKE ACTION:
TALK!! Spread awareness regarding the cost of insulin via social media, local community events, and protests to bring attention!
Visit: https://www.endocrine.org/advocacy/position-statements/increasing-insulin-affordability
Write to congress members! Rep. DeGette is currently working to lower insulin prices. Visit her page: https://degette.house.gov/issues/price-insulin
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Petition created on January 21, 2025