The Real Cost Burden for Diabetes Patients Beyond Insulin Prices.

While drugmakers have slashed the price of insulin, the cost of over-the-counter medical supplies to monitor glucose levels and administer medications can make up the largest portion of a patient’s costs for treating diabetes. A 2020 report found that children and adults with private health insurance spent more out-of-pocket on diabetes-related supplies than on insulin. A person with diabetes who uses insulin typically spends $4,882 a year on treatment if they have insurance, of which more than 80% is spent on supplies. There are various forms of help available to cut the cost of diabetes supplies, including national organizations connecting people with programs that help pay for medicines and supplies.