Insulin prices continue to rise amid shortage
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — One month after the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced a shortage of insulin, diabetics across Michigan continue to feel the effect. Prices for the medication also continue to rise.
Terri Pullum, an Ionia resident, has had Type 1 diabetes since she was 19 years old. She said in the past 32 years, she’s never had to worry about these issues.
“I just get upset because us diabetics that have to have insulin, we didn’t ask for this,” she explained. “And now, they’re telling us to make sure we have a three-month supply or at least a six-month supply in case of shortage emergency. I’m like, ‘What’s up with that?’”
The insulin shortage and high costs isn’t just a problem for people in Michigan, it’s a problem happening nationwide. Medicare data shows between 2014 and 2019, the average annual insulin price increased by 55%.
According to State Rep. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, in Michigan, 13.1% of residents are diabetic.
“We’ve become a little bit more inactive; We don’t eat the way we should, we don’t take care of ourselves,” he said.
Pullum said on average, she spends $188 every three months for her medication.
These recent issues are what Rep. VanderWall said inspired him to introduce House Bill 4890, which would create a regulatory framework for Michigan to partner with a private sector contractor to produce insulin for people living in the state.
“This is really something that’s actually happening in the state of Michigan,” he said. “That people can’t get insulin, or they can’t afford insulin.”
Rep. VanderWall said their goal is to have the bill on the house floor by the second week of May.
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