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Low insulin costs are on the agenda for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Health care costs — including for things such as an insulin kit, for instance — can be catastrophically high for millions of Americans, even those with health insurance, a study finds.
Kerem Yucel
/
AFP via Getty Images
Health care costs — including for things such as an insulin kit, for instance — can be catastrophically high for millions of Americans, even those with health insurance, a study finds.

Alongside 18 other affiliate companies, Upstate New York health insurance company Excellus BlueCross BlueShield announced plans to produce and distribute affordable insulin. Once approved, the medications are expected to be available to all consumers for $30 or less per vial starting in 2024.

“This is an important milestone in our continued partnership with Civica as we advance our shared goal of bringing lower-cost prescription medication directly to consumers,” CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Kim Keck said. “Access to affordable insulin can be the difference between life and death for diabetics – and we’re proud to be a part of Civica’s effort to ensure that millions of Americans have access to the medicine they need at a price they can afford. When we come together, we can make health care more affordable.”

A JAMA report from 2019 found that more than eight million Americans rely on insulin to live, but as many as one in four insulin users reported having to skip doses or take less than prescribed amounts due to the high cost of the medicine.

“Diabetes is arguably America’s most expensive chronic condition, and it is heartbreaking that millions of people are rationing their care and putting their lives at risk because they can no longer afford insulin,” board chair of Civicasaid Dan Liljenquist said. “Through mission-driven partnerships, we are choosing to create a new market reality where no one is forced to ration essential diabetes medications.”