Please allow me to express a few thoughts that I've been struggling with. The following blog post is my personal opinion, thoughts, and/or experiences. It is not medical or professional advice. If you have any questions or doubts about any information within this blog post, please speak to your medical professional for resources and advice. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
The Covid-19 pandemic appears to be raging on. My heart goes out to all of those that have been affected by loss of your loved ones, financial burdens, mental health struggles, and other challenges. EVERYONE is facing some type of struggle. Please be kind to one another.
I am angry, disappointed, and heartbroken. We all face struggles at some point in our lives. However, the past couple of years has brought on more challenges than some can handle. Alienation and division...people are fighting over politics, mandates, and Covid-19 vaccinations. Inflation is rising faster than wallets can be filled. Individuals are struggling with their mental and physical health.
The pharmaceutical companies are raking in billions of dollars due to Covid-19 vaccinations and testing. This is where I must express my personal bitterness with the response to the pandemic. The government is paying for FREE Covid-19 vaccinations and testing for everyone in the United States. Please don't get me wrong. I am pleased that people are receiving assistance with testing and vaccinations if wanted/needed. I am upset that there are minimal solutions to other life-saving medical needs.
There are millions of individuals that cannot afford their medications and/or medical care. Diabetics, cancer patients, elderly care, and others are struggling. Co-pays, deductibles, and premiums are astronomical for most insurance plans. Millions of people cannot afford to purchase medical insurance and don't qualify for health insurance programs. People are having to choose between a life-saving medical procedure, medications, or other necessities.
Did you know that most medical procedures and medications are MUCH more affordable or free in other countries? The cost of medical care and medication is presumed to be the highest in the United States. If I could cross the border over to Mexico or Canada, I could purchase my daughter's life-saving insulin for a fraction of the cost in the USA. My daughter is a newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic. She will die without insulin. She is only 20 years of age and will be on insulin for the rest of her life.
Why is insulin so expensive in this country? According to several sources found on the internet, a vial of insulin costs an average of $2.28-$6.16 to produce. Why are they charging such an astronomical price for insulin?! Did you know that many diabetics are rationing their insulin due to financial restraints? Rationing insulin can be lethal to a diabetic. Insulin and other life-saving medications should not be this expensive. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed in America.
**Be sure to contact the pharmaceutical companies to find out about any discount program they may be offering for the uninsured and/or underinsured. Some companies may advertise discounts on their individual website. Unfortunately, some companies do not offer any publicized discounts. However, it doesn't hurt to contact them directly or speak to a medical professional for information or resources.
There is a misconception that a diabetic is the cause of their own condition. There are differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetic conditions. Type 1 diabetes is caused when their body (pancreas) does not produce enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that has no cure. There are several complications associated with this condition.
My daughter was diagnosed over the summer when she was hospitalized for Diabetic Ketoacidosis and has experienced multiple complications due to her condition. She has already endured two surgeries to remove severe cataracts from both of her eyes, her glucose levels are difficult to stabilize, and she has other complications as well. Her emotions are also on a constant rollercoaster ride, BUT she is a fighter! I cannot tell you how proud I am of her!
Thank you for reading my blog post about Covid-19, the cost of insulin, Type 1 Diabetes, and other concerns with healthcare. I hope you have a wonderful day, and I hope you are able to obtain the resources needed to assist you with any needs you may have. I will be sharing more content on diabetes in the coming days.
I welcome you to contact me with a potential 'guest post' about your personal diabetic journey. No affiliate links will be permitted. You will not be compensated for sharing a guest post on this blog, and I retain the right to refuse any content. We can discuss the details of a guest post in private.
2 comments:
It’s horrific how much they charge for these drugs and so many have to decide are they going to be able to eat, pay rent, mortgage, or get their medicine. We were supposed to be one of the best nations in yet we are embarrassingly getting worse. I hope she and all the others that need their medication’s never have to go without. It’s just wrong.
Miss Loretta,
Thank you. My heart aches for those that are struggling to afford their medical care and medication. I have mixed and bitter emotions about the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope and pray that people are able to find the care they need.
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