Citing ‘Insulin Deserts’ report, Sen. Warnock wants to lower insulin costs for 37 million people in US living with diabetes

Despite efforts to improve access to crucial diabetes treatment, Georgians continue to grapple with the burden of exorbitant insulin costs. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, in collaboration with Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., released a report on World Diabetes Day advocating for the passage of the Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023. This proposed legislation aims to alleviate the financial strain by extending a $35 insulin copay cap to individuals with private insurance.

The report, titled “Insulin Deserts: The Urgency of Lowering the Cost of Insulin for Everyone,” identifies 813 U.S. counties, primarily in the South, as “insulin deserts.” These areas, characterized by high rates of uninsured individuals and diabetes, often consist of lower-income populations with limited educational attainment, internet access, and a higher proportion of people of color. In Georgia, 71% of the uninsured population resides in an insulin desert, encompassing 105 out of 159 counties.

Dr. Chivon Stubbs, a family medicine physician in Atlanta, emphasizes the pervasive concerns among patients regarding insulin affordability. She notes instances of patients resorting to skipping and spacing out doses or acquiring treatments from unofficial sources due to financial constraints.

With over 37 million Americans, approximately 11% of the population, living with diabetes, the urgency to address this issue is evident. Although Congress capped insulin costs for Medicare recipients at $35 a month, attempts to extend this cap to private insurance holders failed in the Senate. While 26 states have implemented their own insulin copay caps, Georgia has not taken such measures, leaving those not enrolled in Medicare to face high insulin costs.

Warnock’s proposed bill, referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, not only advocates for a $35 cap for those with private insurance but also aims to establish a program providing uninsured patients with insulin at a similar cost. Currently, uninsured patients pay an average of $996 annually for insulin, significantly higher than the costs borne by those with private insurance or Medicare.

The report highlights the disparity in insulin costs between the U.S. and other countries, leading some patients to ration their supply. Warnock emphasizes that insulin should be affordable and expresses concern about potential corporate practices that could undermine the progress made in reducing insulin prices. Overall, the narrative underscores the pressing need for legislative action to make this essential medication more accessible to all.