It looks like Wal-Mart is trying to do something about this and are pressuring manufacturers to lower the prices. It also looks like the twice a day injection is very significantly cheaper than the once a day. I haven’t dealt with this, you have. Is it practicable to ask the doc to switch the meds to something on Wal-Mart’s list?
It totally depends on the situation.
T1Ds need a constant ‘background’ insulin in addition to a bolus with each meal. If they’re on the shots, they’ll need at *least* five shots a day. (Two of the long-acting and one with each meal.)
But kids are more difficult to control. They get sick more often. Their hormones throw things off in mind blowing ways. They’re usually more active than adults, but that activity isn’t as scheduled. (Play... weird, but most kids do that.)
So the ideal treatment is to give them a pump. You can adjust that background insulin fast and allow the kid to be a kid. You can turn it off if they’re really having fun. You can up it if they’re coming down with a cold and suddenly running high.
But the pump and all of it’s equipment is really expensive. And there’s only one kind of insulin that works with it.
As far as I know, this is the best way to prevent lost limbs, blindness, and kidney failure for as long as possible.
I’ve known diabetics (including my son) to do some pretty horrific things when they can’t afford proper treatment. Not testing. Reusing needles. Allowing themselves to go high and just pulling themselves back when they start to get sick to ration insulin. Not eating to save a bolus.
And the ramifications of this behavior happens fast. After just 6 months without insurance my son’s kidneys were starting to fail. He was only 20 at the time. Thankfully he got a good job and was able to bring it back.
I called the company once and asked them for help. They mailed me two coupons for $10 off. *sigh*