Rising price of insulin prompts call for Congress to act

The cost of insulin has jumped 700 percent since 1996, putting many consumers in a bind and prompting one group to call for congressional action.

Insulin is a life-saving medication used to treat diabetes. Certain insulins have increased from $21 a vial in 1996 to $255 a vial in 2016, according to a report by HealthDay News.

In November, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) issued a press release asking Congress to investigate insulin pricing and find solutions so people living with diabetes can buy the medication they need to stay alive.

“Insulin is not a luxury,” said Dr. Desmond Schatz, president of medicine and science for the ADA. “The current situation is unacceptable.”

Health experts say because there isn’t one insulin that’s right for every diabetic, more transparency in pricing is needed.

If you have diabetes and have trouble affording your insulin, the ADA has information on how to get help.

Voices for Affordable Health also offers resources that can help consumers secure high-quality affordable care at https://voicesforaffordablehealth.com/resources/.