Blog
Rationing While Waiting on a Refill Took Kayla’s Life
29 Aug 2019, 10:17 a.m. in #insulin4all USA by Sarah Ferguson
Brenda Davis is aware that other young people died in June because they couldn’t get their insulin. “Their deaths are inexcusable,” she said. “Anybody on a lifesaving drug — it should have been approved that day.” She told Kayla’s story because she hopes it can drive change. “This cannot help those other young adults,” said said, “But it might help another diabetic.”
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Losing Andy to America’s Unkind Healthcare System
26 Aug 2019, 1:02 p.m. in #insulin4all USA by Katharine Reamy
Andy was quiet but he was always willing to help people. He would give you the shirt of your back if you needed it. I wish that America’s healthcare system was more like Andy, treating everyone with kindness instead of forcing people to go to Canada or go on the black market to get what they need. Read more
Animal Insulin Withdrawal: Lessons for Patient Advocates Today
19 Aug 2019, 10:51 a.m. in Global Stories by Colleen Fuller
Canadians, too, are struggling with the rising cost of insulin therapy, as James Elliott has noted. This situation has come about in part because governments have given 100% control of the supply of insulin to global manufacturers, three of which now control 95% of the world market. Read more
Our Jesy, Gone Too Soon
12 Aug 2019, 10:37 a.m. in #insulin4all USA by Cindy Boyd
The only reason Jesy did not have his insulin – a life dependent drug – was because he couldn’t afford it. He wasn’t lazy. He worked hard, even taking on a second job for some time. Unlike some of the other stories I have heard, Jesy had insurance but the insulin and other supplies were still more than he could afford. The month Jesy died there were four known deaths due to insulin rationing. How many unknown deaths were there? How many deaths will we continue to see before changes are made? Read more
Josh Died Because His Insulin Cost Too Much
1 Aug 2019, 2:03 p.m. in #insulin4all USA by Erin Weaver
People in the United States of America are dying from type 1 diabetes. For many people, the cost for life saving medications each month is the same as an average months’ rent - or more. How is an average American to afford this? When it comes to type 1 diabetes, people are facing unthinkable decisions – between the costs of living and their very lives – because they live with a non-preventable disease. Read more
Honoring Antavia as I Fight for Affordable Insulin
25 Jul 2019, 12:01 p.m. in #insulin4all USA by Antroinette Worsham
I hope Antavia’s story will touch the hearts of the pharmaceutical companies, Congress, and everyone who can help ensure that insulin is affordable to the American people. Living with type 1 diabetes like other chronic illnesses is unaffordable, which forces people into situations where they become noncompliant with managing their care. I hope one day insulin will be as affordable as it is in other high-income countries, and I am glad to add my voice and Antavia’s story to the #insulin4all movement. Read more
Insulin and Education Challenges in Bolivia
23 Jul 2019, 8:49 a.m. in Global Stories by Laura Ortiz
In Bolivia we don´t receive any kind of help from the government to manage our diabetes. Each patient does what they can, but it is often not enough. Everyone must pay for the necessary supplies by themselves. This is a real problem for people who do not have enough resources. Read more
My Sister Jada Should Never Have Died
18 Jul 2019, 3:29 p.m. in #insulin4all USA by Jazmine Baldwin
At 24 years old, Jada was supposed to have more time. She was supposed to be the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding. She was supposed to lead the drama ministry at church. She was supposed to give me a niece or nephew a few years down the line. But having no insurance and plenty of bills to pay, my sister was forced to make a choice that would take all of that away from her. Read more
Novo Nordisk Meeting: 2 Executives, 2 Doctors, 1 Patient
10 Jul 2019, 10:34 a.m. in #insulin4all USA, News & Statements by Karlynn Holland
Although Lars said that he is “Not shying away from anything that costs money,” it was clear that he was not going to lower the list price. I’m not holding my breath and we, the diabetes community, are not going to wait. Only legislation will ensure insulin is truly accessible and affordable for all. We will not stop until that is the reality because our lives depend on it. Read more
Colorado’s Insulin Copay Cap: A Foundation to Build Upon
9 Jul 2019, 9:13 a.m. in #insulin4all USA, News & Statements by Allison Bailey
With Governor Polis’ declaration that “the days of insulin price gouging are over in Colorado,” news outlets across the country published stories with headlines about the $100 price cap, patients lauded Colorado’s big step forward, and lawmakers from other states voiced interest in following suit. This bill was a victory for Colorado #insulin4all advocates. But with every victory, it is necessary to look beyond the headlines and explore the small print. Read more