Millions of people in America are affected by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and thousands more are diagnosed with the disease each year. Of this population, around 7.5 million depend on man-made insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose) in the body, because their body does not produce insulin on its own.  

For those with Type 1 diabetes, the use of insulin is not an option. Even taking too little doses of insulin could cause serious health concerns such as diabetic ulcers, foot infections, and kidney damage. 

Breaking down the cost

Unfortunately, managing diabetes is very expensive. Not only is it expensive, but the prices are quickly rising. The yearly cost of care for someone with Type 1 diabetes, for example, increased from $12,467 in 2012 to $18,494 in 2016 and, for insulin alone, diabetics paid an average of $5,705 in 2016. 

Image Source: HealthCostInstitute.org

Why this matters

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes who cannot afford the high cost of insulin are forced to engage in dangerous behaviors, such as rationing insulin supplies, in order to manage their disease. Not only can these behaviors lead to some of the serious health concerns mentioned previously, but the lives of those without access to insulin are at risk.

How can insulin be so expensive?

A very prominent factor of rising insulin costs is that there is little-to-no transparency in this market. Additionally, because those with Type 1 diabetes cannot live without insulin, it allows manufacturers a lot of power over the cost of the life-saving drug. Prices can hike up, but the consumer will always be there because they have no choice.

MotivHealth gives you the power of choice

MotivHealth members have 24/7 access to Personal Health Assistants (PHAs) who strive to find the best care at the best price, without having to sacrifice quality; this includes both care and prescription costs. We believe that you do have a choice, even those with diabetes.

See how our PHAs can help you. (844) 234-4472