[morganherlocker]

Generic insulins are already available over the counter at any pharmacy in the US. The newer insulin variants are significantly easier to use safely, since they require less frequent injections (long lasting insulin) and have a faster response time (short lasting insulin used when ingesting carbohydrates or correcting high glucose). These newer variants require a prescription that is typically only issued by an endocrinologist who will require a visit at least every 3 months. I’ve had type 1 diabetes for 20 years now, and have only had my prescription changed a couple times over the entire period. 100% of my medication-related complications have occurred during times where I was unable to acquire a prescription for these higher quality insulin variants, either due to a change in doctor or insurance. Pre-ACA it was common for people to be locked out of insurance coverage of these drugs for up to a year without covering impossible markup on specialist care, and protections for pre-existing coverage are back on the chopping block as we speak. Even today, travel away from my doctor can result in stressful prescription renewal logistics despite having no change in dosing for over a decade. After seeing a doctor nearly 4 times per year for 20 years with almost every visit boiling down to “ok, here’s your renewal, see you in 3 months”, I’m not sure I understand the value for me personally. If someone wants to abuse insulin (I’m not sure why they would), they already can with a bottle of humulin, available at their local Walmart for about $20.

I’ve absolutely benefited from my endocrinologists over the years, but 80 appointments for 2-3 prescription changes (prompted by my request each time) seems like excessive rent seeking.