LITTLETON, Colo. — Sarah Hagberg faces a monthly struggle that's become all too familiar: securing insulin for her son, knowing his life hangs in the balance. Every month, she scrambles to ensure her 17-year-old son, Sam, who was diagnosed with type one diabetes two years ago, has his vital medication.
"I had to go from just being able to grab anything I want from the pantry to like, checking the macros," Sam recounts the shift in his lifestyle since his diagnosis.
Unlike other teens, Sam couldn't just walk out the door anymore. At 15, he had to make sure he was strapped with the essentials: syringe, blood monitor, snacks and most crucially, his insulin.
"Without this little vial here, I can die," he stated plainly.
Yet, obtaining this life-saving medication has become increasingly difficult for the Hagberg family amid a nationwide insulin shortage, a problem exacerbated by delays in manufacturing.
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"The way that the system works, our plan, our insurance plan, we only have one prescription approved. So essentially, we can't obtain this anywhere right now because of the shortages," Sarah explains.
Their quest for insulin often involves endless phone calls, pharmacy visits, and out-of-pocket expenses. Sarah estimates their monthly expenditure on Sam's supplies ranges between $500 to $1,000, on top of the insurance costs they already pay for.
Recently it took Sarah almost ten days to refill the prescription because pharmacies were unable to provide the medication due to it being on back order from the manufacturer.
To prepare for the possibility of not being able to get insulin, the Hagbergs turned to manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies for assistance. However, their advice was disheartening: seek urgent care, which means facing another round of medical bills to add to their expenses.
"If the advice for a manageable condition is to go to the emergency room, in 2024, in America, with insulin having been available for a very long time, that just feels wrong," Sarah voices her frustration with the current state of affairs.
Sam acknowledges the privilege of being able to afford these expenses and reflects on the disparity of healthcare costs across different states.
"When type one's can't get insulin, it can kill them. They need it. So yeah, having to pay, three to four figures for a life-saving drug... it's nuts," said Sam.
Colorado's recent implementation of a price cap on insulin offers some relief, but compliance from manufacturers and pharmacies remains inconsistent. State lawmakers are now working on a bill to enforce this price cap, signaling a potential solution on the horizon.
Knowing they aren't alone the Hagbergs are determined to raise awareness about the struggle to obtain life-saving medication. For Sam and Sarah, it's a battle they face together, as a team.
Sam expresses gratitude for his mother's unwavering support, "Just knowing there's someone there for me, that's fighting for me and making sure she doesn't let any of this slide."
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