May 7, 2016

According to Pulseanalytics, 46% of all employees have a $1000 or higher deductible, the majority of plans have 5 tiers of copays, and each year 20% more products require a prior authorization.

This makes it harder and harder for our patients to get their medications, and according to Item 1 the cost of insulin continues to increase at a rapid pace. But is all that increase due to the Pharma companies or is there something else at play?  A review of earnings calls from the insulin companies, shared with us by our good pal Dave Kliff, points to the increasing trend of downward earnings for all of them. The insurers are no longer “fooled” by the supposed superiority of one brand over the other, and are just simply looking for the brand that offers them the largest rebate and lowest price.

One way that many of our patients could reduce their insulin costs would be to use less. Often this is hard for a type 1 patient, but we all know that exercise and movement can lower insulin use for our overweight type 2 patients on insulin. This week Dr. Sheri Colberg shares techniques and methods to avoid the injuries and pains that often derail the best exercise plans when our patients decide to get more active.

Announcements:

dLifeTV.com: Sunday, May 8, 7PM ET

From dLife.com:”dLife follows psychologist, filmmaker, and type 1 adventurer Dr. Jonny White as he travels down the coast of Africa by bicycle. Also, the story on nighttime eating syndrome; Dr. Nat Strand with shoe shopping tips; and Jim Turner swaps low stories.” Sundays live online at dLifeTV.com at 7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, and 4 PM PT. Keep up on the latest dLife news at dLifeTV.com.

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We can make a difference!

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Dave Joffe, Editor-in-chief