California reducing insulin costs

California is attempting to make insulin more affordable for diabetic patients not just in California, but nationwide coming January 1st. The idea for this concept was originally announced in 2023, about 3 years ago, where the nonprofit organization Civica partnered with California to find a solution for the problems that face this nation regarding healthcare, and the affordability of generic drugs. The project was funded with 100 million US dollars, which was utilized in researching ways to create insulin cheaper with glargine (a cheaper alternative to expensive injections that control blood sugar) but work just as efficiently, so they are able to sell each pen for lower prices of about $11 and a pack of five for a maximum price of $55 dollars. This is a major decrease in the price of insulin, as a single pen would be around $45 to $600 dollars, depending on factors such as insurance coverage, type of insulin, where it was created, amount, etc. The prices of life saving medication have gotten so high to the point some have to ration their insulin by halving or even quartering their original dose so that the medicine would last longer, therefore saving money. Due to the high prices, many patients have to cut down on the medicine that allows them to live, which is a decision that no one should have to make. Therefore, this positive turn didn’t just affect insulin, but also other generic drugs. An example is the overdose medication naloxone, which is a nasal spray or injection that is critical for combating the nationwide overdose crisis. This change in insulin and generic drug prices will save many patients as much as 4,000 dollars a year, which can be put towards other essentials of life besides healthcare. This step in healthcare will aid many diabetics and patients who are struggling with illness and prices, which will change the lives of everyone, nationwide.