BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 If you\u2019re thinking about going to the doctor to get insulin but it\u2019s been too expensive, now may be your time. California is taking a major step to lower prescription drug costs \u2014 by making its own insulin.<\/p>\n
Thousands of Californians living with diabetes may soon see relief at the pharmacy. California is rolling out its own state-made insulin through the CalRx program.<\/p>\n
Vipul Bhavani is a Pharmacist at People\u2019s Pharmacy, and he says, \u201cI\u2019ve never seen something like this where the medication pricing is going down almost 50 percent.\u201d<\/p>\n
The California Department of Public Health says Kern County has one of the state\u2019s highest diabetes rates \u2014 about 14.4 percent of adults, well above the state average. The state\u2019s CalRx program is offering long-acting insulin at about $11 per pen and $55 for a month\u2019s supply \u2014 a fraction of typical prices.<\/p>\n
Gov. Gavin Newsom says, \u201cThe lowest pricing you can find is about $89. The average price is north of $300, and you\u2019re seeing pricing as much as $411.\u201d<\/p>\n
Here in Kern County, independent pharmacies \u2014 such as People\u2019s Pharmacy on Niles Street \u2014 are preparing to stock the new insulin, giving local patients easier access to a medicine they rely on every day.<\/p>\n
Health advocates say this program could dramatically reduce costs and improve access, especially for residents struggling with high prescription prices, particularly in East Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
\u201cLots of people have diabetes in this area, particularly on the east side of town, and they can\u2019t afford the medication, which is sometimes like $300 for one month. Nobody can afford that kind of insulin, and you do need it every day, so it\u2019s really good pricing.\u201d Vipul Bhavani said.<\/p>\n
Vipul has been a pharmacist for over 15 years. He says most of the time, insulin prices have increased about five percent every year. But with the new CalRx program rolling out this year, he says now is the best time for patients to talk to their doctor and make sure their medications are up to date. \u201cIt\u2019s not like it used to be $500 for one box. It\u2019s a really good price, and if you have diabetes, try to get a prescription \u2014 you will be able to afford it.\u201d He said. <\/p>\n
For many in Kern County, insulin isn\u2019t optional \u2014 it\u2019s essential. And with California producing its own state-branded version, patients may finally see relief at the pharmacy counter. <\/p>\n
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