Pennsylvania's largest health system, Jefferson Health, has taken a stand against the soaring cost of insulin in the US market. The system, which employs over 58,000 people and provides diabetes medication to patients, claims that pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy benefit managers have been working together to inflate prices.
According to the lawsuit filed by Jefferson, the three major insulin manufacturers - Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi - started charging upwards of $20 per vial in the 1990s. Fast forward to today, and prices have skyrocketed by over 1,000%. The system alleges that these companies conspired with major pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx to create an "insulin pricing scheme" that has left patients struggling to afford the life-saving medication.
The lawsuit argues that even the recent price cuts implemented in 2023 were insufficient. These cuts only applied to select insulin products, and the prices in the US market remain significantly higher than in other countries. For instance, a one-month supply of Ozempic was selling for $936 in America last year, compared to just $147 in Canada and $83 in France.
Jefferson's move follows similar lawsuits from cities across the US, including Philadelphia, which is also part of a larger, nationwide litigation involving over 550 state and local governments, companies, and unions. The system's complaint was filed in New Jersey as part of this broader case, highlighting its commitment to fighting for affordable healthcare for Pennsylvania patients.
According to the lawsuit filed by Jefferson, the three major insulin manufacturers - Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi - started charging upwards of $20 per vial in the 1990s. Fast forward to today, and prices have skyrocketed by over 1,000%. The system alleges that these companies conspired with major pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx to create an "insulin pricing scheme" that has left patients struggling to afford the life-saving medication.
The lawsuit argues that even the recent price cuts implemented in 2023 were insufficient. These cuts only applied to select insulin products, and the prices in the US market remain significantly higher than in other countries. For instance, a one-month supply of Ozempic was selling for $936 in America last year, compared to just $147 in Canada and $83 in France.
Jefferson's move follows similar lawsuits from cities across the US, including Philadelphia, which is also part of a larger, nationwide litigation involving over 550 state and local governments, companies, and unions. The system's complaint was filed in New Jersey as part of this broader case, highlighting its commitment to fighting for affordable healthcare for Pennsylvania patients.
. Insulin is literally a lifesaver, but it's like these companies are playing games with our lives 
. I mean, 1,000% increase in prices? That's just crazy! And to think they're working together with pharmacy benefit managers to keep the prices high 
. It's not right that we have to pay more for this medication than people in other countries 
. Jefferson Health is doing the right thing by taking a stand and filing a lawsuit 
. We need more voices like them fighting for affordable healthcare 
.
! You'd think that just because you're sick, you shouldn't have to break the bank, right? But here's the thing - it's not just about the companies and pharmacies making money off of us; it's also about how we, as a society, value people's lives. I mean, who's going to be the one to say "you know what, let's raise insulin prices so some rich people can afford it better"? 
I'm no expert, but it seems crazy that three major companies can just decide to increase prices by over 1000% and then say "oh, we didn't do anything wrong". 
my aunt has diabetes and she's always stressing about how much her insulin costs... it's not like the prices have changed that much, but somehow they just got way out of control. 
I mean, insulin is literally the only thing keeping those with diabetes alive, and they're charging an arm and a leg for it. It's just not right! And to make matters worse, they're colluding with these pharmacy benefit managers who are just as bad, if not worse! 
I'm literally shaking my head over here... like $936 for one month's supply of Ozempic? 
That's insane! And it gets worse - they're saying these companies have been colluding to drive up prices since the 90s 
. I mean, what kind of conspiracy is that?! 
I mean, think about it - insulin is literally a lifesaver, but these big pharma companies are just taking advantage of people who need it the most 
and it's definitely not okay for patients to have to choose between paying their rent or getting the medication they need 
.
. It's not like patients have a choice – they're stuck with the high prices or they go without their medication altogether