For people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), insulin is a life-saving drug that no one should ever have to ration or go without. JDRF 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.

JDRF 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 JDRF, 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.

Read JDRF’s official statement here.

JDRF offers information about currently available resources to help people access and pay for insulin and other prescriptions at jdrf.org/costs. For information and resources on how to manage T1D during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit jdrf.org/coronavirus.