Insulin insecurity is a fact of life for roughly 40 percent of people who took part in an informal survey conducted by Insulin Nation. The results of the four-question online survey of 585 individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes or caregivers of those with insulin-dependent diabetes painted a bleak picture in which many have had to choose between getting needed insulin or paying off other bills.
Here were the results of the survey:
1. 43.1 percent of respondents reported going without insulin or using less than needed because they couldn’t afford it.
2. Just over half of respondents reported juggling bills to afford insulin.
3. Even with insurance, 18 percent of respondents reported paying between $251 and $500 a month for insurance.
4. And 58.5 percent of respondents said they would refuse to switch to a better insulin that cost twice as much in out-of-pocket expenses.
This was an informal survey, one which did not endeavor to use scientific sampling methods to ensure a cross-section of the population was represented. The survey was put on Insulin Nation’s website, posted on its Facebook and Twitter social media channels, and emailed to subscribers of its newsletter.
In September, Insulin Nation will share these results with insulin industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, insurers, and pharmacy benefit managers. We will ask for comment from these stakeholders and report on responses received.
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