State Out-Of-Pocket Caps On Insulin Costs: No Significant Increase In Claims Or Utilization

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39102598/ An AHRQ-funded study found that state-imposed caps on out-of-pocket spending for insulin have not significantly increased the use of the medication among commercially insured patients. The study, published in Health Affairs, analyzed data from more than 33,000 patients with type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes between 2018 and 2021. Despite caps as low as $25, there was no significant increase in insulin claims after these caps were implemented. Researchers suggested this may be due to many patients already paying less than the capped amounts. Researchers said their study highlights that while cost controls aim to improve access, their impact on usage may be limited.