From a young age, I understood that type 1 diabetes was going to have a significant impact on my life. Being diagnosed at 10-years-old forced me to become responsible in my adolescence, depriving me of certain childhood naiveté that a young one should never be.
Still, I kept my head held high with a smile like many in our community do through adulthood. Why? The best way to live is with a healthy perspective, but as many of us know - this can be incredibly challenging while managing the physical, emotional, and mental tolls type 1 diabetes has on the body. Our caretakers and support systems feel similarly throughout our lifetimes.
We must strive to do our best and live our happiest and fullest despite shortcomings like this. So, whether you sign this petition for yourself or others, I hope you carry this value out with you after adding your signature of care.
While many mistake insulin for a cure, it's not. It's therapy and treatment that people living with type 1 must refill monthly or quarterly to survive, depending on their insurance. Many in the community resort to inconvenient workarounds that are far from solutions to the healthcare crisis in America. Extreme healthcare costs affect vast communities, in and outside of the T1D segment of our population.
Personally, I get my medication from Canada. For those concerned/wondering, it is okay to do that under the "discretion" act of 1987. (Gain insight on the topic at https://www.elderlawanswers.com/buying-prescription-drugs-from-canada-legal-or-illegal-1204.) Considering the cost of my Humalog prescription alone, a 90-day supply in the U.S.A. would cost me about $1,800, whereas the same supply for the exact same drug in Canada costs me about $315. This price comparison is the most stark, and does not even begin to show the enormous added costs of endocrinology visits, CGM supplies, nighttime insulin, pen needle supplies, alcohol swabs, sharps containers, test strips, and other necessary medicine and supplies I need to survive throughout the year. I know many in the community have similar comparisons to offer, and have been transparent across the Web among support groups, comment boards, Twitter, etc.
There is undoubtedly a need for nationwide healthcare reform, and I believe this bill passing could be a wonderful catalyst for change, starting with a statewide movement and rippling onto the nation as a whole. Why not aim big? We need to correct so many highs in our lives as T1D, and I know this one is a huge consideration on our minds! Not only would this bill passing help provide financial relief, but medical relief as well. More people would be able to afford their insulin in the U.S., decreasing stress and unnecessary doctor visits associated with high blood sugar levels.
Maybe we can knock the price down from $100 to $30 for a 30-day supply. Wouldn't THAT be the ultimate end result?! Together, I believe we can truly make a difference so long as we are willing to advocate. We are on the same team.
While it saddens me some may view this as a political party issue, I would like to think that whatever party you identify with, you would support a loved one who is managing type 1 diabetes and help them ease the pain of management with some financial relief such as this. To me, this is not a political party issue, but a human rights issue. It seems clear from the comments on this petition that many feel the same. It isn't about feeling sorry for ourselves or begging for help. It is about justifying the cost of basic medical supplies necessary for survival.
Please, keep fighting the good fight. Your amazing work and advocacy has led us to gain over 22,000 signatures so far. I believe we can achieve 100,000 signatures or better to declare victory on this campaign. What about you?
Share your T1D story or ask any questions below. I will be sharing my thoughts on the bill and T1D experience with WPTV this week. Any feedback is more than welcome!
Together, we can reduce the costs of insulin across the U.S.A. Never stop believing in the power of positive teamwork.
THANK YOU.
- Julia Flaherty, @missjflar