The cost of insulin is not the biggest expense for diabetes patients. What is?
Millions of Americans with diabetes have cheered as drugmakers slashed the price of insulin, the life-saving drug that treats the chronic disease.
But the lower prices, which came amid government pressure to curb insulin costs and more competition from generics and biosimilars, are just part of the cost of treating the disease, which causes high blood sugar that can damage the heart, eyes and kidneys if not treated.
Over-the-counter medical equipment to monitor glucose levels and administer medications can account for the largest portion of a patient’s costs. A 2020 JAMA Internal Medicine report found that children and adults with private health insurance spent more equity on diabetes-related supplies than on insulin.
“We̵[ads1]7;re happy that insulin prices are capped and people are paying more attention, but that really only tells part of the story the story of people living with diabetes,” said Dr. Karla Robinson, medical editor at GoodRx, a platform that helps people find the lowest prescription prices near them.
The cost of supplies “affects people much more than … insulin. It can affect what treatment they even choose because supplies can be very expensive.”
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How many people are affected by utility costs?
Of the 37 million Americans who have diabetes, about 8 million use insulin, but all must monitor their sugar levels. Add to that another 100 million pre-diabetic adults who may need testing supplies.
There are two types of diabetes:
- Type 1which is completely insulin dependent.
- Type 2who may or may not need insulin because you can take oral medication or change your lifestyle and diet to control it.
“One thing they both have in common is that they all need to monitor their sugar in some way,” Robinson said. “A lot of people are affected who never need insulin, so this is a big problem.”
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How much can supplies cost?
A person with diabetes who uses insulin typically spends $4,882 a year on treatment if they have insurance. Of that, $3,992 is spent on supplies, according to a GoodRx analysis, or more than 80% of the annual cost of managing the disease
Reduce costs:Drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk will cut some insulin prices by 75%
Lifestyle changes:People with diabetes lived longer on a lower carbohydrate and plant-based diet, the study found
What Kinds of Supplies Do People With Diabetes Need?
It can vary depending on the type of diabetes you have, but here are some common elements:
- Blood sugar meter (glucometer): A small, handheld device that uses a tiny drop of blood from a finger and provides glucose results in just a few seconds.
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): A portable glucose monitoring device with a sensor that sits under the skin and measures glucose 24 hours a day.
- Insulin pump: An automated insulin delivery (AID), often used with a CGM, that responds to glucose changes.
- Lancing devices and lancets: Used to prick the fingers to check the sugar level.
- Test strips for blood sugar: Used in a glucose meter.
- Syringes and alcohol preparation pads: Used to inject insulin.
- Insulin pens: A portable and convenient alternative to vials and syringes for delivering insulin.
- Adhesive skin patches; Used with CGMs.
- Infusion set: A connection between the insulin pump delivery device and your body.
Budgeting:More than 1.3 million Americans are rationing life-saving insulin because of the cost. It is “very worrying” for doctors.
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How can people reduce the cost of diabetes supplies?
You can ask your doctor for tests or suggestions, but here are different forms of help you can use:
- BenefitsCheckUp.org: Seniors with limited income can search by zip code for help with medications, health care and other needs through this service of the National Council on Aging.
- NeedyMeds.org: A national organization that connects people with programs that help pay for medications and supplies. You can search by medicine or manufacturer’s name.
- Prescription Assistance Partnership: Helps people without insurance coverage for prescriptions find their medications and supplies for free or at a low cost.
- Patient Advocate Foundation: A non-profit organization with a directory of organizations by state that specifically help patients defray the costs of diabetes care. Select “diabetes” as your diagnosis on the website to search for help. The foundation also has a copay relief program for those in financial need who have insurance. Low-income diabetes patients can access grants of up to $1,500 a year for medical costs.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers: Community health centers may offer free or reduced cost diabetes supplies.
- Rx Outreach: A nonprofit mail order pharmacy that offers affordable medications to people in need through its website or by phone at 1-888-RX0-1234 (1-888-796-1234).
- RxAssist.org: A list of drug company assistance programs, government programs, discount cards, copay assistance and more.
- Patient Assistance Programs: Companies often offer free or low-cost diabetes supplies, depending on insurance status and income. If you need help with your pump supply or CGM, contact the manufacturer directly via their customer service number:
- Medtronic: 1-800-646-4633
- Tandem: 1-877-801-6901, option 3
- Islet: 1-800-591-3455
- Dexcom at 1-888-738-3646
- Abbott Diabetes Care: 1-855-632-8658
Available resources are “helpful to know, but I’m hoping on a larger scale that we can get some legal relief that’s more comprehensive,” Robinson said. “People are rationing supplies and reusing disposables, which compromises safety. Just as we’ve finally gotten some relief for insulin, I’m hoping for some relief for supplies.”
Medora Lee is a USA TODAY money, markets and personal finance reporter. You can reach her at mjlee@usatoday.com and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday morning.
