Speaker Pelosi Calls for Elimination of Co-Pays for Seniors on Medicare
Eliminating copays for medication would reduce the financial burden millions are facing during this challenging time
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for calling for zero-dollar copays for medication for seniors on Medicare as a response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Tracey D. Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the ADA, issued the following statement:
“The cost of insulin for those living with diabetes can be debilitating as people are facing reduced paychecks and unemployment as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), making it that much harder for them to stay healthy. With 1 in 3 Medicare beneficiaries living with diabetes, and over three million of them relying on insulin, this is a critical step to help older adults stay healthy.”
“In addition to the reprieve we need for seniors, the ADA has sent letters to all 50 governors calling on them to mandate a zero-dollar copay for insulin on commercial plans. I am hopeful the states will seriously consider this call. Let’s work together to get this done.”
The ADA continues to be the driving force in federal and state efforts to ensure that insulin is affordable and accessible for all people who need it. Take action today at diabetes.org/advocacy/platform.
If you are struggling to pay for insulin or know someone who is, the ADA has resources to help—visit InsulinHelp.org.
# # #
About the American Diabetes Association
Every day more than 4,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes in America. More than 122 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes and are striving to manage their lives while living with the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For nearly 80 years the ADA has been driving discovery and research to treat, manage and prevent diabetes, while working relentlessly for a cure. We help people with diabetes thrive by fighting for their rights and developing programs, advocacy and education designed to improve their quality of life. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).