Out-of-pocket insulin costs remained steady for commercial members but soared for others

According to a recent study published on JAMA Internal Medicine, its findings contradict the view that insulin cost-sharing is excessive for many privately insured patients; however, monthly out-of-pocket payments may be burdensome for low-income individuals. Using data from Optum, a pharmacy benefit manager, the study found that median insulin 30 day fill reimbursement price in commercial health plans rose 2.75 times from $143 in 2006 to $394 in 2017. Although, 80 percent of the study participants were in commercial health plans the study found individuals in high deductible health plans saw a good deal of fluctuation over the course of the 11 year timeframe.  The researchers mentioned as one of the study’s limitations, they did not attribute any manufacturer rebates for the insulin price.  Read article here…

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