Something has to change! The soaring cost of insulin has emerged as a pressing concern for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, especially within Black communities. For many diabetics, insulin is essential for survival and maintaining a quality of life. Unfortunately, skyrocketing prices have left countless individuals grappling with tough choices like choosing to pay their light bill or needed prescriptions for their health.
In 2020, the average price of insulin in the U.S. rose to nearly $400 per month, a staggering increase from approximately $120 in 2001 (American Diabetes Association, 2020). This surge in cost places a heavy burden on those already facing economic challenges. According to the Washington state Department of Health, Black adults in Washington are close to 50% more likely to have diabetes compared to their White peers (Washington State Department of Health, 2019). Yes, you read that correctly, 50%!
These elevated rates are clearly a sign of systemic inequities, including limited access to healthcare, education, and economic resources. Many Black people live in neighborhoods with fewer healthcare facilities, leading to delayed diagnoses and poor management of chronic diseases.
On top of access and affordability issues, the complexities of insurance coverage add more barriers to the situation. A study from the American Journal of Public Health highlights that Black individuals are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, directly impacting their access to necessary medications (American Journal of Public Health, 2019). This lack of coverage often results in out-of-pocket expenses that force individuals to choose between buying insulin and covering daily living costs.
What do we do? Addressing this crisis calls for urgent policy changes. Some states have introduced measures to cap the price of insulin, reflecting a growing national movement aimed at making the life saving medication more affordable. In Spokane, community organizations and advocates are working tirelessly to raise awareness about these disparities and push for legislative reforms that prioritize health equity.
Access to insulin is not merely a financial issue; it’s a matter of life and death. It requires collaborative efforts from local leaders, health providers, and policymakers to dismantle the barriers that continue these inequities.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; Washington State Department of Health; and American Journal of Public Health.