For people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), insulin is a life-saving drug that no one should ever have to ration or go without. Breakthrough T1D has long advocated for affordable insulin, urging manufacturers, health plans, employers, and policymakers to ensure that people with T1D can obtain the insulin they need at low and predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Breakthrough T1D welcomes the May 26th announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services about more affordable insulin options for people in the Medicare program. The new program is an important step forward. At Breakthrough T1D, we will continue to urgently advocate for long-term solutions that make this life-saving drug affordable for all, whether someone has Medicare, another kind of insurance, or no insurance at all.
In the announcement, CMS announced that certain participating insurers will offer prescription drug plans for Medicare beneficiaries providing insulin for $35 per month. Existing benefit designs typically charge beneficiaries a much higher cost-sharing when they enter the Part D coverage gap. The new program would reduce insulin costs during that gap. Medicare beneficiaries who select plans offering insulin with a maximum $35 co-pay for a month’s supply would receive the benefits starting January 1, 2021.
