A West Virginia caller on C-SPAN is drawing attention after describing a steep jump in insulin costs while on Medicare. In a clip shared on Instagram, the caller said a 28-day supply that once cost $6 had risen to $80 at CVS.
Here's what to know
Headquarters Newsroom (@headquartersnewsroom) captioned an Instagram post, "C-SPAN caller from West Virginia: 'I'm diabetic and have Medicare. When Biden was president, insulin cost just $6 for 28 days. I recently went to CVS and found the price had risen again to $80…'"
The caller also portrayed a climate of fear among people nearby, saying neighbors were "walking around scared, crying, nervous," and tying the insulin complaint to a broader feeling of economic insecurity in the community.
One user said: "I work at a radiology center in NJ and there are soooo many patients that are having RIDICULOUS payments and changes to their coverage ... everything is more expensive under taco."
More background
For people with diabetes, insulin is not optional. It is a life-sustaining medication, which means even a modest rise in out-of-pocket costs can create serious financial strain for households already juggling rent, groceries, transportation, and other medical expenses.
What can be done?
If you see a jump in your medication costs, ask a pharmacist for a breakdown of what changed. The higher price could be tied to changes in your insurance plan or a billing issue.
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Medicare enrollees can also contact their plan directly or call Medicare to verify whether the amount charged is correct. In some cases, switching to a different insulin product, using another pharmacy, or trying a mail-order option may lower the out-of-pocket cost.
Doctors may also be able to help patients explore lower-cost alternatives or temporary solutions if a refill suddenly becomes unaffordable. Patient assistance programs and local health advocates can sometimes provide additional support.
Where can I learn more?
Insulin prices aren't the only elevated cost hitting people's wallets right now.
• In grocery aisles, soaring pantry staple prices are adding to broader household strain.
• In Florida, lawmakers are weighing a radical change to Citizens property insurance.
• Globally, prices for a critical resource, corn, may climb and deepen food insecurity.
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