No one should suffer or die because they cannot afford insulin – that is unacceptable. JDRF has long advocated for affordable insulin, urging manufacturers, health plans, employers, and policymakers to ensure that people with T1D can obtain the lifesaving medication they need at a low and predictable out-of-pocket cost.  

On January 29, 2021, the Biden Administration delayed implementation of a recently adopted rule that would largely eliminate drug rebates in Medicare Part D. This delay is part of the Biden Administration’s broader freeze on all regulations recently adopted by the prior administration pending their review. JDRF has long supported ending the rebate system for both public and commercial insurance programs which is a hinderance to reducing the cost of insulin and, as previously stated, this rule is an important step toward that end. Eliminating the current system of drug rebates in Medicare Part D will likely help lower the price Medicare beneficiaries pay for insulin. JDRF urges the Biden Administration to act expeditiously in their review to enable this step to address the issue of affordable insulin to move forward.  

In order to solve the problem of high insulin cost, we need long-term solutions that make this lifesaving drug affordable for all, whether someone has Medicare, another kind of insurance, or no insurance at all. JDRF looks forward to working closely with the new Administration and new Congress to ensure comprehensive, long-term solutions allowing everyone who needs it to get insulin at a low and predictable cost.  

-JDRF International