To The Editor:
In Connecticut alone, approximately 250,000 of adults have diagnosed diabetes, types 1 and 2. An additional 83,000 adults are estimated to have undiagnosed diabetes. For these people, Insulin is a necessity, just as food and water is for the rest of us. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have increased up the prices of Insulin significantly, nearring a rate of unaffordability for some.
At the upcoming special session of the Connecticut General Assembly, a bill will be voted on, capping the price of insulin in Connecticut. Insulin is not something that should carry a financial burden for those in need. Continuing to allow pharmaceutical companies to raise the price of Insulin deprives people of their basic needs.
Insulin is more expensive than ever, type 1 diabetes patients – who generally must inject themselves every day — paid an average of $5,705 for insulin in 2016, nearly double what they paid four years earlier. This bill would cap the price of Insulin and its supplies at $100 per month.
It is of utmost importance that we take measures and prevent the prices of Insulin from skyrocketing further. Supporting this bill would ensure that Insulin is not only affordable, but accessible to all of those in need of it.
Thank you.
Daphne Baker
Westport