Dr. Meg Reitmeyer

The average person with diabetes spends 2.3 times more each year for medical care than someone without diabetes. Although focus is usually placed upon diagnosing and treating diabetes, there is not as much emphasis on the crushing cost of living with diabetes.

In 2017, diabetes care cost the United States $327 billion and more than 70 percent of that amount — about $237 billion — went toward hospitalizations, doctor visits, diabetic testing supplies, medication and other direct medical costs. The remaining $90 billion is related to lost productivity, such as time out of work for illness or doctor visits for both patients and caregivers.

Before the Affordable Care Act in 2009, diabetes was a pre-existing condition that often excluded people from obtaining health insurance. Even with health insurance now, the rising prices of medication along with increasing deductibles and out of pocket expenses often keep people from obtaining vital medication. The price of insulin has tripled in price over the past five years. One vial (or a box of pens) of brand name insulin can cost $300 cash, while the co-pay for a person with health insurance may be $75 to $100 per vial.

Each year, people die or develop permanent diabetes complications because they skip or decrease doses of medication in order to save money. Many people are embarrassed to admit that they cannot afford their medications, but they should not be. In our current health care system, the vast majority of people with chronic diseases and multiple medications are struggling to pay for them. Your health care team cannot help you explore options if they do not know a problem exists.

Check with your insurance plan about which medications in each class are the lowest cost for you. Visit pharmaceutical company websites or talk to your health care team about coupons or patient assistance programs. Wal-Mart offers over-the-counter NPH and regular insulin vials for $25. Ask your clinician if this insulin would be appropriate (remember though that a vial has 1000 units so you have to buy a vial for about every 30 to 35 units per day of insulin you take).

Mail order may save a substantial amount of money and be especially useful if transportation is an issue (but be cautious about insulin overheating during delivery in the summer).

Taking care of diabetes is an expensive and time-consuming battle, but you may have allies and resources that are available for you. Don’t be afraid to investigate options, ask questions and advocate for yourself. One free local resource that is ready to assist you is the Center for Healthy Living. Not only does this location provide free diabetes prevention and healthy living classes, but the Center for Healthy Living can also help people without medical insurance to schedule a doctor’s visit and to have access to many free health resources through their CommUNITY Cares Program. No appointment is necessary. Contact them by calling 903-593-7474, or by sending an email to ContactUs@netphd.org.

Dr. Meg Reitmeyer is a member of the NET Health board of directors.