Episode 247 - Shaina Kasper, T1D, Policy & Advocacy Director T1International

Policy and Advocacy Director at T1International, Shaina Kasper,
joins Rob and Eritrea on the show to discuss a wide range of
topics, including: * What $35 dollar insulin really means for
people living with diabetes * It’s been six months since insulin
manufacturers announced that programs were being rolled out for
co-pay caps but many patients are struggling to qualify for these
benefits - whats going on? * Shaina’s sister T1D diagnosis which
led to her being in a clinical trial that actually diagnosed her
with T1D as well * How rationing insulin led Shaina to looking for
a diabetes community * Accessibility being easier in countries like
Canada, Mexico and Europe * Rationing insulin with diabetes is not
rare. Globally 1 in 4 patients with diabetes has rationed insulin *
Policies like Affordable Insulin Now Act being introduced by Sen.
Kennedy of Louisiana brings up $35 insulin caps for people who have
private insurance, not just Medicare * The biggest issue with copay
cap policies is that they don’t always include private insurance,
and it can create a reverse incentive for large manufacturers to
raise cost of insulin because they know insurance will cover the
difference * A price cap on insulin is the most important thing to
help most people living with diabetes get access to these
medications we need * If you have experience going into the
pharmacy and are unable to get the lower priced insulin - write to
your senator! * Most people believe that affordability problem
around insulin has been solved, but were learning this isn’t the
case * Coupon cards and insulin savings cards don’t always work;
they’re not replacements for good public policy * T1International
is working on expanding Alex Law’s at the state level to get
emergency access to drugs and with expanding Kevin’s Law to expand
past the 42 states who have accepted it * If you are interested in
sharing your personal diabetes-rationing story, please reach out to
T1International who can help guide you on how to to share your
story with your Senator. * Learn more about the T1International
#insulin4all Summit happening on September 30, 2023. We want to
hear from you. Send those questions, comments, queries, and general
diabetes concerns to THE MAILBAG at
mailbag@diabeticsdoingthings.com!