Diabetic Retired Nurse
TL/DR –
Steve Lubin, a retired ICU nurse, praises the Inflation Reduction Act for capping insulin costs and reducing financial burdens for Medicare beneficiaries. He also mentions that 1 in 6 people with diabetes in America ration their insulin due to high costs. He adds that the Inflation Reduction Act is a step in the right direction, but must be expanded to include a broader spectrum of people, irrespective of their insurance status, race, or socio-economic status.
Pennsylvania retiree and ex-ICU nurse, Steve Lubin, emphasizes the importance of affordable insulin and applauds the Inflation Reduction Act for its role in controlling insulin prices for both seniors and non-seniors.
Having worked for 20 years in healthcare and being diabetic myself, I’ve seen the devastating impact of pricey insulin first-hand. Around 37 million Americans, about 11.3% of the US population, suffer from diabetes.
I’ve often seen diabetic patients in hospitals battling complications due to insulin rationing. Lack of affordable insulin leads to worsening health conditions, including kidney disease, heart and circulatory issues, vision loss, and even death.
In America, the struggle to afford insulin is real, with 1 in 6 people with diabetes rationing their insulin. Thus, I’ve committed my life to fighting for lower prescription drug prices.
In August 2022, a breakthrough came with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act, known mainly for addressing climate change, also targets healthcare inequalities. It has capped monthly insulin costs for Medicare beneficiaries at $35, saving seniors thousands of dollars annually and pressuring major insulin manufacturers to also reduce prices for non-seniors.
As a diabetic and retired nurse with a child struggling with drug affordability due to a spine condition called Spina Bifida, I comprehend the critical need for accessible healthcare. This is a problem affecting millions nationwide.
Prior to the Inflation Reduction Act, I dealt with exorbitant insulin copays, made worse by the Medicare “donut hole.” This gap in coverage led to out-of-pocket expenses of about $1,500 per year for insulin alone.
However, the Inflation Reduction Act brought relief, introducing a copay cap and thereby eliminating the donut hole’s impact. With the $35 copay cap, my insulin expenses have significantly reduced, allowing me to afford medications without compromising my lifestyle or health.
Lower drug costs mean more than just financial relief. It’s about having control over personal health and life quality, no longer being dictated by healthcare costs. With expenses down, I can now afford more lifestyle choices, like eating out with friends or caring for my grandkids.
To ensure equitable healthcare access for everyone, we must keep pushing for inclusive reforms. The current measures are a promising start but need broadening to cover everyone, regardless of insurance status, race, or economic standing. Healthcare should be a right, and it’s up to our leaders to ensure this.
Related: How Pennsylvania women are saving money on health care thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act
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