Insulin access and innovation
It’s possible for everyone with type 1 diabetes to have access to affordable insulin while still promoting innovation.
Insulin affordability is a crisis
All individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) should be able to afford insulin, which they need to take multiple times a day to survive. It is unacceptable that anyone should suffer or lose their life because they cannot afford insulin. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many people. According to a 2023 study, 1 in 5 individuals with diabetes rationed insulin due to its high cost.
Breakthrough T1D is actively working to address this issue and will continue to collaborate to create a world where no one has to ration their insulin. We can do this without stifling the development and commercialization of the next generation of insulins.
Insulin should be available to people with T1D at a low, predictable out-of-pocket (OOP) cost
People with T1D should have access to the insulins that work best for them
Any solution should not impede the development of next-generation insulins, such as faster-acting or glucose-responsive
Breakthrough T1D is committed to solving this problem.
It takes effort and cooperation from all stakeholders to achieve this goal. Government officials, insurers, employers, and many others must all do their part, and we will continue to do ours.
Achieve access
Insulin should be easily accessible to individuals with T1D at a low and predictable out-of-pocket cost so that they can have access to insulin that is essential for their survival. We understand the complexities of the healthcare system and the various factors that contribute to the increasing cost of insulin. However, Breakthrough T1D believes that there are solutions that can enhance accessibility and affordability. We will continue to push for these solutions.
Our solutions
Insulin is a lifesaving medication for people with T1D. Health plans, PBMs, and employers must set reasonable co-pays/coinsurance to make it accessible.
People with T1D require insulin to live; it is the only therapy available. Rationing dosages can cause fatal complications. Thus, insulin should be exempt from deductibles and be provided at low, predictable costs.
Health plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) should lower OOP costs by sharing discounts and rebates directly with people with T1D.
Individuals living with T1D typically do not receive the significant discounts that insulin manufacturers provide to PBMs and health insurance plans. These discounts should be passed on to people with T1D at the point of sale to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.
Insulin manufacturers should lower their prices to current net levels and restrict price increases to CPI afterward.
Maintaining choice
Health plans and PBMs should provide access to the most appropriate insulin
T1D affects everyone differently, and the effectiveness of various insulin types varies from person to person. People with T1D should have access to the best insulins for them, determined by them and their healthcare team.
Breakthrough T1D urges coverage of all insulin types and brands and the elimination of non-medically related switching.
Promoting innovation
Improving access must not impede the development of next-generation insulins.
As a leading global organization that funds T1D research, Breakthrough T1D is fully committed to supporting the development of better and faster-acting insulins.
Today’s insulin formulations save lives, but it remains immensely challenging to achieve the tight control over blood glucose that occurs naturally in people without diabetes.
We believe that managing blood sugar should be much easier. That’s why we continue to fund work on innovative insulins, such as glucose-responsive insulin and faster-acting insulin, as well as other medications that could improve blood-sugar management.
With the coming advancements in different types of insulin and other medications to help improve glucose control, it is crucial that any adopted policy impacting drug pricing does not impede innovation and the development of newer and better insulins.
Get help affording insulin
Resources to help with diabetes costs.
Help with T1D insurance challenges, including appeal rights, exceptions, and prior authorization requests.
This page contains a list of financial resources available to help reduce the cost of insulin.
