Lilly Says It Will Cap Insulin Out Of Pocket At $35/Month In US

The news is welcome, but seems about six years too late. For more than 14 per cent of people who use insulin in the US, insulin costs consumed at least 40 per cent of their available income, in 2022 -- and there are seven million people who need it daily, to survive. It is hard to imagine a bigger burden disease, in poor and rural America.

Perhaps prices will stay reasonable for longer, this time. And people on public health plans already see low to no co-pays. . . so, I suspect industry now realizes the FTC could turn it all into a "Shkreli style" enforcement show, here if they won't self police. Here's the NYT on it, this morning:

. . .Eli Lilly and Company said on Wednesday that it would reduce the price of its most commonly prescribed insulins and expand a program that caps monthly out-of-pocket costs for patients at $35 or less.

It said the company was taking the action to “help Americans who may have difficulty navigating a complex health care system that may keep them from getting affordable insulin.”

Insulin, a lifesaving drug that is usually taken daily, has grown increasingly expensive in recent years, and many diabetes patients ration their medicines or discontinue them because of the cost. More than 30 million Americans live with diabetes.

It comes after years of mounting criticism from Americans who have said the drug should be more accessible. The criticism led to lawsuits and legislation. . . .

Late coming, but good news just the same. Onward, smiling into a warm patch of sunshine here. . . .

नमस्ते