Biden’s Campaign Focuses on Insulin Cost as a Key Issue

President Biden’s policy achievement of lowering the cost of insulin for seniors has had a profound impact on individuals like Kaye Peterson, a 66-year-old retired librarian. For much of her life, Ms. Peterson spent around $300 a month on insulin to manage her diabetes. Now, thanks to the new policy, she pays only $35, allowing her to use the savings to help fund her room in an assisted living facility in Kentucky.

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Biden, capped the price of insulin for Americans on Medicare at $35 per month. While this has been a game-changer for many seniors, there is a growing call for the cap to be extended to all Americans, including younger individuals like Kyhla Desire, a 28-year-old graduate student in Boston.

Despite the positive impact of the policy, there are still challenges for those who may face difficulties with out-of-pocket payments, including the uninsured and those on high-deductible insurance plans. Advocates like Nicole Smith-Holt emphasize the importance of addressing the gaps in the healthcare system to ensure that everyone has access to affordable insulin.

While the impact of the insulin cap on the upcoming election remains uncertain, individuals like James Martin, a 37-year-old father of three, have experienced firsthand the life-saving effects of the policy. Mr. Martin, who once had to ration his insulin and ended up in the intensive care unit, now pays $35 for the medication, thanks to the new law.

As President Biden continues to push for broader access to affordable insulin, individuals like Ms. Peterson, Ms. Desire, and Mr. Martin are grateful for the positive changes that have already been made. Their stories serve as a reminder of the real-life impact of healthcare policy on individuals and families across the country.