California To Make Its Own Insulin

A vial of insulin cost $25 in 1995, today, that same vial of insulin costs more than $300. Millions in California (and the nation), cannot live without it. Many Americans pay out-of-pocket costs of between $300 to $500 a month for this lifesaving drug.

The problem is a U.S. health care system, held hostage by lobbyists, who advocate for companies that monopolize and maximize profits. It has also become a political issue, with the GOP opposing attempts to reform healthcare.

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, ran on a platform that put healthcare reform at the center of his campaign, and he's delivering.

California, last month, approved $100 million for the project, with $50 million dedicated to developing three types of insulin and the rest set aside to invest in a manufacturing facility that will strengthen the local supply chain while also creating jobs in the state.

Newsom was reportedly working with Civica. The latter announced plans, last March, to. manufacture and distribute generic versions of three insulin variants, for no more than $30 per vial, and $55 for a box of 5 pen cartridges.

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Zaphod42 · 51-55, M

Nice! If they can actually make insulin affordable I might even finally go get tested for type 2! There’s a pretty good chance I have it, but there no way I can afford an extra $300 a month for the medication so I just try to limit sugar and carbs and otherwise pretend nothing is wrong 😅

Northwest · M

@Zaphod42 The good news, is that you don't typically need insulin for type II. The bad news, is that the meds for type II if you don't have the right kind of insurance, can be about $750 per month.

Zaphod42 · 51-55, M

@Northwest Yep, like I said, everything is fine and I definitely don’t have it 😅

Northwest · M

@Zaphod42 For what it's worth, you really should have yourself checked out. Early intervention is key to saving your kidneys, vision and heart.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Zaphod42 if you are, see if the Livongo program is available. The biggest expense that I initially found, surprisingly, were the testing strips so you can stay on top of your glucose readings. It’s covered by most plans, and you receive a monitor and 250 test strips each month — more if you need them. No cost.

Northwest · M

@bijouxbroussard You should consider one of the continuous feed solutions that does not require pricks. I don't know if it's covered by regular insurance plans.

One of the startups I am working with, is developing a continuous-monitoring solution that's much less intrusive.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Northwest I’ve already looked into that, and am not ready to put down $1,000 on one.

Northwest · M

@bijouxbroussard $1,000!!! that's really steep. I don't know how much test strips cost (and the tester) and if there is some logic that can be pushed on the insurance companies, but I suspect that the companies making the consumables (test strips) may oppose it.

Northwest · M

@bijouxbroussard I think this one:

https://www.freestyleprovider.abbott/us-en/freestyle-libre-3.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwo_KXBhAaEiwA2RZ8hE6vANNk3fo-W1gEDx47lCb51ydiu2KqvHPqp-hHG_Q8thdrZifvuRoCkDIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Is about $250 or so.

OggggO · 36-40, M

@Northwest Some Type-II can be managed by diet and exercise alone, but even if it can't you may be able to get reduced cost or even free medication, depending on your income, through a prescription assistance program. I get my diabetes medicine free from the manufacturer thanks to one.

Northwest · M

@OggggO

Some Type-II can be managed by diet and exercise alone

Absolutely. The problem though, is that people need to adhere to strict exercise and food protocols, that only upper middle class and higher income families, can afford.

My company offers to reimburse the $25K fee, for a 6-month program (nutrition education, exercise science, etc). But that's a lot of money for most people.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Northwest It’s very possible. When I was first diagnosed, my insurance put me on a plan that provided a monitor for $14.99, a month’s worth of test strips for $150.
It was ridiculous and my support group suggested buying strips on EBAY and Walmart to save money. My former employer contracted with Livongo, and it’s been perfect.

bijouxbroussard · F

@OggggO It’s also a progressive disease. I changed my diet, increased my exercise, lost weight, but it’s still a struggle because for me, it’s hereditary.

OggggO · 36-40, M

@OggggO Oops, I meant to tag Zaphod, not you, but that's great that your company does that!