Monterey, CA Diabetic Alert : Prices To Come Down

A blood glucose level chart showing the optimal levels.


Sanofi SA announced it would be cutting insulin products by as much as 78% in the U.S., following the lead of other major pharmaceutical companies which are lowering prices at the behest of the Biden administration.  Sanofi said that it would cap a Lantus patient’s monthly out-of-pocket cost at just $35.  “No one should struggle to pay for their insulin,†Olivier Bogillot, Sanofi’s head of U.S. general medicines, told The Wall Street Journal.

Medicare Savings On Drugs And Immunizations Will Kick In During 2023

A cvs pharmacy store front with the door ajar.


A number of changes have been made to Medicare which hopefully will save you money!  For instance, as of January 1, the Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles is free for those with a Part D prescription drug plan, a significant relief since it cost almost $200 last year.  If you are diabetic, your copay for a 30-day supply of insulin for Part D enrollees is capped at $35.  During the pandemic, the cost for a month’s supply was hundreds of dollars.  Public awareness of many of these changes are low because they were passed as part of a massive legislation.  However, you will definitely notice it at your pharmacy’s cash register!

AARP Tips For Those With A Diabetes Diagnosis

A red square with the word aarp in white


Getting a diabetes diagnosis can be very frightening, but with the right healthy living changes, you can still lead a normal life.  Read this AARP Article, which explains their seven recommendations for dealing with the disease including:

Losing weight

Watering down blood sugar

Exercise snacking

Muscling up with protein

Get vaccinated against COVID-19

Don’t focus on sugar

Let the meds come as needed.

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/tips-for-managing-diabetes.html

 

Great News For Medicare Recipients In New Senate Bill


Many had criticized Congress for working on a sweeping bill that, at the end of the day, did not include relief for consumers over the high cost of prescription drugs.  That has been quickly remedied.  A deal was reached today which adds to the $1.85 trillion social-policy and climate bill a provision which gives Medicare the power to negotiate the price of some drugs, penalize drug companies for raising prices faster than inflation, and cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors at $2,000 per year.  It also creates a $35 out-of-pocket monthly maximum for insulin.  “This deal will directly reduce out-of-pocket drug spending for millions of patients,†said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.).