Here are five reasons - showcasing #insuiln4all and other social change movements around the world - why joining art, creativity and activism together is so powerful. It fosters self-expression, community building, activation, it is inspiring and attention grabbing, and it leads activists to better engage with the media. Read more
There is an insulin rationing crisis in the United States, driven by the high price of this life-saving medication. Research indicates that one-quarter of people with diabetes have to ration their insulin because of the cost, and rationing puts patients at greater risk of health complications, including death. In Minnesota, advocates responded to the deaths of Alec Raeshawn Smith and Jesimya David Scherer-Radcliff by fighting to pass the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which was the first in the nation to establish a program for patients with diabetes to purchase the insulin they need at an affordable price. After years of work, this bill was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz on April 15, 2020. Read more
I wrote this piece for an AP Spanish assignment, but it took me on a deeper journey than I expected. I learned not just about the price of insulin but also how it affects people’s decision making, their accessibility taking priority over general wellbeing. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage month, I wanted to share this in English and Spanish, to give the Hispanic community, especially here in the USA, the representation they well deserve. Read more
On November 10, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in California v. Texas, a case that could invalidate the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since it was signed into law in 2010, the ACA has provided critical protections to the diabetes community in the United States. Now, a group of 18 states led by Texas are arguing that a single change to the law passed as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has rendered the entire law unconstitutional, even though there is no evidence that this was an outcome Congress intended at the time. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Texas, the entire ACA could be ruled unconstitutional. Read more
In a significant challenge to pharmaceutical companies, California passed SB852 in the State Assembly with overwhelming support (66-7) on August 31. The bill would allow the state to contract for or manufacture its own generic or biosimilar prescription drugs, and specifically names insulin in response to the demands of diabetes advocates searching for long-term solutions to the insulin price crisis. Read more
On Friday afternoon, President Trump released four executive orders intended to lower drug prices, including two targeted directly at lowering the cost of insulin for patients who rely on it. Despite his assertion that these orders are intended to “completely restructure the prescription drug market,” these orders will not do anything to fix the underlying cause of the insulin crisis in America. Patients will still need to wait months for the rulemaking process to run its course, and likely even longer after that if these orders end up in court. While T1International USA is glad that the administration has stated that making insulin more affordable is a priority, these orders miss the mark. We don’t need incremental bureaucratic steps as an election approaches - we need transformative change that will make our medicine more affordable now. Read more
T1International has been made aware of a recent increase in hateful speech, as well as disrespectful and non-collaborative behavior on the #insulin4all hashtag. While hashtags cannot be owned by anyone, T1International’s global work is tied to #insulin4all. As one of the creators of the hashtag, we want to acknowledge our concerns over these issues and set clear lines about what we stand for as an organization, and what we do not. Read more
Delaying care due to these fears as a queer or trans person is not uncommon in any medical setting, however if you delay care living with diabetes, it can lead to life-threatening complications or even worse. It’s imperative that LGBTQ+ people living with diabetes and other chronic illnesses have the security, affirmation and resources to access the care they need. Read more
When I left the hospital I remember wondering, “Why did my mom have to beg those people to do their job when I was visibly sick?” A few years later after I had dealt with numerous visits, checkups, and insurance calls, I became aware of the medical side of racism. Read more
After many emotional months of fighting hard for accessible and affordable insulin legislation, Utah won a victory March 30, 2020 when House Bill 207, known as the Insulin Access Amendments, was signed into law by Governor Gary Herbert. This victory was thanks in part to the strong advocacy of thousands of Utahns and to Representative Norman Thurston’s dedicated leadership on drafting lifesaving legislation. This legislation passed with strong bipartisan support through the House with a 69-3 vote and passed unanimously in the Senate. Read more