The Endocrine Society is calling on policymakers to include government negotiation as part of an overall strategy to reduce insulin prices in its updated position statement published today in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, and another 88 million are at risk for developing the disease. The cost of insulin has nearly tripled in the past 15 years, and a lack of transparency in the drug supply chain has made it challenging to identify and address the causes of soaring costs.
Federal law currently prohibits Medicare, which accounts for a third of all drug spending, from negotiating directly with pharmaceutical companies over drug prices. Legislation empowering the government to negotiate lower insulin prices could save billions and provide more benefits to Medicare beneficiaries.
“Inventors Frederick Banting and Charles Best sold the insulin patent for a mere $1 in the 1920's because they wanted their discovery to save lives and for insulin to be affordable and accessible to everyone who needed it,” said Endocrine Society President-Elect Carol Wysham, M.D., of the Rockwood/MultiCare Health Systems in Spokane, Wash. “People with diabetes without full insurance are often paying increasing out-of-pocket costs for insulin resulting in many rationing their medication or skipping lifesaving doses altogether."
Rising costs have limited access to affordable insulin for many people with diabetes, especially low-income individuals, those on high deductible health plans, Medicare beneficiaries, and those who turn 26 and must transition from their parents’ insurance.
All stakeholders across the supply chain from manufacturers to employers have a role to play in addressing the high cost of insulin. Patient Assistance Programs need to be more inclusive and accessible, and rebate programs, another effort to reduce costs, should be used by employers to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket costs and health insurance premiums.
The Society recommends the following policy changes to increase access to affordable insulin.
About Endocrine Society
Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.
The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses, and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endocrine.org. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheEndoSociety and @EndoMedia.
Colleen Williams Senior Communications Manager, Public Relations Phone: (202)-971-3611 [email protected]
Jenni Glenn Gingery Director, Communications and Media Relations Phone: (202)-971-3655 [email protected]
The Endocrine News podcast brings you the latest research and clinical advances from experts in the field, whether you are in your car, office, or out for a run.
Our top-ranked peer-reviewed journals are among the first to publish major developments and discovery milestones.