GetInsulin.org Addresses Immediate Needs of People Struggling to Access Insulin

Treatment Insulin
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SAN CARLOS, Calif., Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – A new tool for anyone in the United States struggling to access life-sustaining insulin launched today at GetInsulin.org. Created by global diabetes nonprofit organization Beyond Type 1, GetInsulin.org connects people with diabetes who take insulin to assistance programs and low-cost solutions that match their unique situation.

Insulin is a life-essential medicine for over seven million people with diabetes living in the US today. The list price is high, and not taking insulin is not an option. GetInsulin.org is an important resource for people who need help affording their insulin today.

On GetInsulin.org, users answer a few questions (such as location, insurance type, income, and type of insulin they take) then receive customized action plans to guide them through the access solutions and next steps needed. The site and plan details are available in English and Spanish, can be downloaded or emailed, with the option for follow-up reminders when life changes may happen.

GetInsulin.org is supported by a coalition of partners helping connect those in need to lower-cost insulin now, including the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES), the Endocrine Society, Feeding America, JDRF, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA). GetInsulin.org is funded by Lilly, Mylan, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi.

People with diabetes in the United States face serious health complications or death when they cannot access insulin. Since 2013, the list price of insulin has skyrocketed, leaving people without health insurance or on high-deductible insurance plans paying out-of-pocket upwards of $1,000 for a one-month supply of insulin, often unaware of assistance options. This is the result of a unique drug pricing crisis going on in the United States that will require widespread healthcare reform to bring list prices down.

“Insulin is not optional for people with diabetes. The current drug pricing system that leaves many unsure of how to access their insulin needs to change, and that change will take time. Right now there are assistance options out there for many struggling to access insulin, but individuals may not know about programs or those programs may be difficult to navigate,” said Beyond Type 1 CEO Thom Scher. “GetInsulin.org is designed to address this immediate and solvable problem - to simplify the process of getting people to the right help and getting them access to insulin in the immediate term.”

Beyond Type 1 advocates for high quality, modern insulin to be available to people with diabetes regardless of employment or insurance status, across all demographics, without barriers, and at an affordable and predictable price point. Until that is achieved, GetInsulin.org will be a resource for those needing access to insulin options immediately.

“The American Diabetes Association is honored to partner with Beyond Type 1 and the coalition of organizations committed to raising awareness of GetInsulin.org, a critical tool for people who need insulin right now,” said Tracey D. Brown, CEO of the ADA. “We need to both connect people to life-saving solutions today, and work towards a system that doesn’t leave so many in need of help accessing a drug they need to stay alive.”

If you or someone you love is struggling to access insulin, go to GetInsulin.org.

About Beyond Type 1

Beyond Type 1 is a nonprofit organization changing what it means to live with diabetes. By leveraging the power of social media and technology, Beyond Type 1 empowers people to both live well today and support a better tomorrow. Through peer support programs, global campaigns, and digital platforms, Beyond Type 1 is uniting the global diabetes community across both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, helping to change what it means to live with chronic illness.

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This is specific to insulin access in Minnesota. But, even if your not in MN, I think that the lawsuit between Pharma and the State is pretty interesting.

Greetings #insulin4all members,

Since the enactment of The Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, we have heard from many who have successfully utilized it. We are ecstatic to see this law helping those in need! A reminder to please visit MNinsulin.org to check for eligibility, and find other important information about the Insulin Safety Net Program here in Minnesota. We understand that there has been some obstacles and challenges for some with the application process. If you are experiencing any difficulties with the application process or pharmacy compliance there are many ways we can help. Please reach out to one of our Minnesota #insulin4all executive members via our Facebook Page, or by email at mninsulin4all@t1international.com

As some of you may have heard, on the evening just prior to Alec Smith’s Act becoming law, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) filed a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota to overturn this critical bill. The lawsuit itself did not prevent the bill from becoming law. With the help of National Health Law Program (NHeLP), Minnesota advocates, T1International, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA), an amicus brief was flied to uphold this law. You can find more about the brief and terms of the lawsuit in this press release from NHeLP.

A hearing will be held on December 8th, 2020 to determine the next step in this lawsuit and to see what judgements will be made to either uphold or overturn The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. We are pained to again face obstacles in simply finding a way for insulin to be accessible and affordable for our community. We know that this lawsuit is just another attempt by insulin manufacturers to retain their profits and overlook patients who are suffering greatly at their hands. Regardless of the judgement made in this case, we will not stop advocating for you all!

Wishing you warmest regards,

Nicole Smith-Holt -Minnesota #insulin4all Chapter Lead

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I have been on Novolog since I went on pump. Medtronic said Novolog worked better in the summer heat. I am a type 1 diabetic.
My copays were around $400 for 3months.

2021 a new law went into effect that if you use Humalog you can get it for no more than $35. So I got 9 vials for $105. There are more insulin to take in program then Humalog but you have to call your pharmacy n you have to give the name. Novolog was a waste now bc it was very expensive. Pharmacy was abupt, “we don’t have the time to go through ever fast acting insulin.”. Just call you pharmacy insurance customer service and always check good rite

So far Humalog is fine. No problems.

Also don’t forget if you have an insulin n a pump you can put in part B but you Need doctor to write a letter and pharmacy that will bill part B.

Then you would pay 20% for your insulin. It was cheaper for me to try the Humalog.

A 3rd option is Novolog has an
Generic insulin called insulin aspart. Even though it was cheap, my insurance wouldn’t cover it.

So I’m now pumping without using Novolog but am using Humalog.

Hope I helped.
Christa

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is this site still around? i may pass it on to my friend who has her son’s friend living with them.

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Yes, it is!

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thanks :)…ill check it out and pass it on to her

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there are literally millions of people strugling with diabetis in india. some of them still has no acess to insulin. thats cause half of india’s population lives in vilages. diabetic patients have no option for insulin .

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sometimes people with diabetis gets depressed cause of their health.my grand mother has diabetis. its been years , she is trying to control it but diabetis getting worse. now her legs have began to pain. after years of strugle she has now finally given up. she says, i am tired of taking meds daily, exercising and taking ayuvedic remedy.

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there are many therapies for depression. some exercises and meds are helpful. best of them is called expressive therapy for depression. click the link to visit the site.
expressive therapy for depression