Study finds state-level insulin out-of-pocket cost caps do not significantly increase insulin claims for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
State-level caps on insulin out-of-pocket costs do not significantly increase insulin claims for patients with type 1 or patients using insulin to manage type 2 diabetes.
Approximately one-quarter of insulin users reported underuse due to cost burden, despite state-mandated caps aimed to alleviate this issue.
Researchers found that current caps on out-of-pocket costs were not effectively utilized, with many patients already paying lower amounts prior to cap implementation.
The study recommends focusing on populations struggling the most with insulin affordability, such as the uninsured or those in high-deductible health plans, rather than implementing a nationwide cap for all commercial enrollees.
Expanding cap policies to include other expensive medications and considering different management tools for type 2 diabetes patients could help improve affordability for more individuals.
A recent study led by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus examined the effects of state-level insulin out-of-pocket costs on patients with type 1 diabetes or those using insulin for type 2 diabetes management. The researchers found that state-level caps on insulin costs did not significantly increase insulin claims among these patients. This research could aid policymakers in implementing more effective strategies to make affordable insulin more accessible to patients facing challenges with affordability.
The study revealed that even the most generous caps on insulin out-of-pocket costs were not effectively utilized, as most patients were already paying lower amounts even before the implementation of these caps. The study suggests that focusing on patients who are struggling the most with insulin affordability, such as the uninsured or those in high-deductible health plans, may be more beneficial than a nationwide cap for all commercial insurance enrollees. Furthermore, expanding cap policies to include other expensive medications commonly used for diabetes management could also help improve affordability for more patients.
