New law caps insulin co-pay at $30 in Oklahoma
A new law signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt caps the insurance co-pay for insulin at $30 for a month's supply.
With 14% of the state suffering from diabetes, it's a welcomed sight in Oklahoma
Over 450,000 Oklahomans suffer from diabetes, while the American Diabetes Association says that over 1 million in the state are on the verge of it.
“Oklahoma has a high number of patients who are diabetic,” says Morton Comprehensive Health Center’s chief nursing officer, Cassie Clayton. “Oklahoma ranks in that top 5 as well for that being one of the chronic conditions.”
At Morton nearly 30% of their patients are diabetic. Down the road at nearby Crossover Health Services:
“A good portion, I'm saying 20%,” said Dr. Rebecca Brett.
With prices that used to soar over $200 for insured patients and well above that for those who didn’t have insurance, this bill could save their lives.
“A lot of our people are Medicaid and Medicare so I hope that the cost reduction applies,” said Cyndi Schneider, CHS Diabetes Educator. “And then I have several people that we’re working with to get prior authorization because they can't afford the medication they need.”
“Well this allows people to actually be able to purchase their insulin because when it's $200 a month most people can't afford $200 a month,” said Brett. “But when it's $30 a month, most people can.”
Back at Morton, for years they’ve been trying to make insulin more cost-effective for their patients.
A majority of the people they see are uninsured, but thanks to a grant they can completely cover the price tag.
“It pays for office visits, it pays for supplies, labs, and then also for the medication so it kind of takes care of the entire need of the patient who has diabetes,” Clayton said.
The new law will take effect on November 1.
