Advocacy

Breaking News

Get the latest diabetes-related news.

When there is breaking news in the world of diabetes, this page is your one-stop shop to get quick information about what is happening. See below for the latest news.

April 25, 2024: The American Diabetes Association Statement on the Passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr.

The American Diabetes Association’s Chief Executive Officer Charles D. “Chuck” Henderson issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr.

“This week, the diabetes community lost a true champion as we learned of the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr.

Congressman Payne Jr. embodied the highest standards of public service and was a champion for people living in his district and in New Jersey. He was a leader amongst his peers and frequently spoke about his own health challenges with diabetes and related conditions, as he fought to ensure that others achieved health and would prosper.

He was a leader in addressing health inequities in communities across the country, including those of interest to people living with diabetes. As co-chairman of the Congressional Peripheral Artery Disease Caucus (PAD), Congressman Payne authored and fought for legislation to reduce preventable diabetes-related amputations. Most recently, the Congressman was the lead sponsor of the ADA-endorsed Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act. 

Congressman Payne Jr. will be remembered as a champion for people living with diabetes. The ADA and the diabetes community deeply mourns this loss.”

April 22, 2024: American Diabetes Association Statement on New York’s Action to Eliminate Insulin Copays

New York has eliminated cost-sharing for insulin in state-regulated health plans. In response Monica Billger, state government affairs director at the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), issued the following statement.

“The American Diabetes Association is excited to celebrate a first in our nation. New York has taken a transformative step in the state budget to address medication affordability and accessibility by eliminating cost-sharing for insulin in state-regulated health plans. The ADA, in partnership with an amazing community of Diabetes Advocates, has long-led the fight to make diabetes treatment more affordable, effectively championing lowering patient cost-sharing for insulin in 25 states and the District of Columbia. We know that an individual’s ability to manage diabetes and prevent life-threatening complications is directly tied to their ability to access the medication they so desperately need. On behalf of the American Diabetes Association and over 1.8 million adult New Yorkers with diagnosed diabetes, I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and members of the Assembly and Senate for their leadership in working towards greater health equity and supporting a healthier future for New Yorkers with diabetes.”

To read more, click here.

April 11, 2024: The American Diabetes Association Urges Congress to Reform Medicare Payment for Primary Care Providers

In a submission today to the Senate Finance Committee’s hearing, Bolstering Chronic Care through Medicare Physician Payment, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is urging policymakers to boost Medicare payments to physicians and primary care delivery teams to improve care for people with diabetes.

"Access to high-quality primary care is fundamental to effectively managing diabetes and preventing complications," said Lisa Murdock, chief advocacy officer at the ADA. "Medicare payment reform that adequately reimburses all members of a primary care team, prioritizing chronic care management and preventive care, can greatly improve the lives of beneficiaries with diabetes."

To read the full press release, click here.

August 15, 2023:  Amazon Pharmacy Announces Automatic Coupons for Insulin 

“Access to affordable diabetes medications and technology can help people living with diabetes stay healthy and avoid complications. Sadly, some of the 37.3 million Americans living with diabetes can’t afford the treatments they need to survive. The ADA has been the leading voice in advocating for affordable insulin and diabetes technology. We applaud Amazon Pharmacy for innovating on behalf of people with diabetes and taking important action to help ensure they easily access the treatments they need through a transparent purchase process that automatically applies any eligible discounts.” –Charles “Chuck” Henderson, chief executive officer of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA).

To learn more about insulin cost and affordability and to join the ADA in the fight for affordable insulin, visit diabetes.org/insulinhelp.

April 21: INSULIN Act introduced.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today. The ADA has been the leading advocate for limiting cost-sharing for insulin at both the state and federal levels and increasing access to affordable insulin for both insured and uninsured people with diabetes. One in four people who use insulin report rationing this lifesaving drug, and our first priority is reducing costs for patients. In addition to limiting cost-sharing for insulin to $35 per month for individuals with commercial insurance plans, the INSULIN Act makes sure rebates stop inflating the price of insulin, biosimilar insulins can come to market more quickly, and insurers make these more affordable options available to patients. The ADA strongly urges Congress to pass the bipartisan INSULIN Act as soon as possible, for the nearly eight million Americans who rely on insulin to survive.
 
Click here for more information about the INSULIN Act.

March 16, 2023: Sanofi announces insulin price cuts.

“The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the leading voice advocating for insulin affordability and is working to ensure that all people with diabetes have access to the care they need. The ADA has led the charge to enact cost-sharing limits on insulin in 22 states and D.C., and the first-ever federal copay cap in Medicare. We are encouraged that all of the major manufacturers have taken steps to make insulin more affordable, but the fight is not over. We will continue advocating for efforts in Congress and states across the country to ensure insulin is affordable to everyone with diabetes who relies on it to survive.”- Lisa Murdock, ADA Chief Advocacy Officer

March 14, 2023: Novo Nordisk announces insulin price reduction.

“The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is the leading voice advocating for insulin affordability and is working to ensure that all people with diabetes have access to the care they need. The ADA has led the charge to enact cost-sharing limits on insulin in 22 states and D.C., and now the first-ever federal copay cap in Medicare. We are pleased that more manufacturers are continuing to take steps to make insulin more affordable, and we hope others follow suit. ADA will keep working to make sure drug rebates are not inflating costs for patients at the pharmacy counter, and we will continue to support efforts to provide affordable insulin to everyone with diabetes who relies on it to survive.” - Lisa Murdock, ADA Chief Advocacy Officer

To learn more about insulin cost and affordability and to join ADA in the fight for affordable insulin, visit diabetes.org/insulincost.

March 1, 2023: Lilly announces cost-sharing limits on insulin. ADA resource available for more information.

“The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the leading voice advocating for insulin affordability and is working to ensure that all people with diabetes have access to the care they need. We applaud Eli Lilly for taking the important step to limit cost-sharing for its insulin, and we encourage other insulin manufacturers to do the same. While we have been able to help achieve significant progress on the issue of insulin affordability, including Medicare’s new out-of-pocket cost cap on insulin, state copay caps, and patient assistance developments from insulin manufacturers, we know that our work is not done. We will work to ensure that Eli Lilly’s patient assistance program is benefiting patients as intended and continue the fight so that everyone who needs insulin has access.”  — Charles “Chuck” Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association

To learn more about insulin cost and affordability and to join ADA in the fight for affordable insulin, visit diabetes.org/insulincost. To lead more about manufacturer patient programs, visit insulinhelp.org.

Feb. 23, 2023: Ozempic shortage continues. What you need to know.

Semaglutides, such as Ozempic and and other medications to treat type 2 diabetes continue to be in short supply in many areas of the country. These medications are an important tool for people with type 2 diabetes, but they are also prescribed for weight loss. Not only do they lower blood glucose and weight, but they have been shown to decrease cardiovascular events for those living with diabetes.

The manufacturers of these medications are working to address the shortage, and the ADA continues to monitor the situation. In the meantime, if you are not able to get the medication you use from your pharmacy, contact a member of your medical care team to determine what other options are right for you.

Jan. 1, 2023: Medicare insulin price cap goes into effect.

After tremendous advocacy from the ADA, the $35 price cap on insulin for people on Medicare Part D goes into effect today. Similar caps will go into effect on July 1, 2023, for people on Medicare Part B. Visit Medicare.gov for more information.