California’s efforts to reduce insulin costs need to target middlemen

To the editor: I applaud California’s bold move to offer CalRx branded insulin at lower prices (“Inexpensive insulin will soon be available through California’s state prescription program,” October 16). But for this effort to succeed, the government must address the middleman and supply chain pressures that often erode patient savings.

While pharmacies will buy a five-pack for $45 and sell it for $55, pharmacy benefit managers Still may charge hidden fees or restrictive contracts that shift costs back to the patient or squeeze small pharmacies. Many independent pharmacies in California are already closed After being paid for at a reduced cost, access creates deserts.

To protect CalRx, the state must require transparency in benefit management practices and fair pharmacy reimbursement. Senate Bill 41 A good start. California’s insulin initiative is a major step forward, modeling an approach that may succeed nationwide if it protects both patients and the pharmacies that serve them.

Padmashri Muralidharan, San Diego