Diabetes can be very expensive
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RSSFALLS CHURCH, Va. (PRWEB) January 14, 2021
NOVA ScriptsCentral (NSC), Northern Virginia’s largest charitable nonprofit pharmacy , today announced that it is initiating a Diabetes Access Pilot program designed specifically to assist those in the Northern Virginia area living with Diabetes who need access to insulin. As a long time provider of quality integrated pharmaceutical care and medication access to the low-income uninsured children and adults of Northern Virginia, NSC is continuing to expand its reach. Through this pilot initiative NOVA ScriptsCentral will provide insulin for free to uninsured patients being treated at one of its 16 safety net partner clinics in Northern Virginia. These patients will also have access to affordable diabetic testing supplies.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, and like across the US is the seventh leading cause of death in Virginia. According to the Virginia Department of Health 2,153,733 Virginians, more than 1 out of 3 have prediabetes. Another 631,194 Virginians have diabetes which is about 1 out of every 11 people. Diabetes patients who don’t have insurance can spend an additional $1,300 in annual expenses just to control their diabetes. With guidance and care diabetes is a disease which can be prevented and controlled by engaging in lifestyle changes, self-management practices and, if necessary, medication.
The average Retail Price for 30-Day Supply of all insulins is $476 however, in April of 2020 Governor Northam signed House Bill 66 (HB 66) which prohibits Virginia insurers from setting a patient’s cost-sharing payment for insulin above $50 a month — including deductibles and copays. This legislation went into effect January 1st, 2021.
“While this legislation significantly helps patients who have insurance limit their out of pocket costs for insulin access it does not address the cost of insulin access for uninsured patients who often have to pay full price. Our Diabetes Access Pilot is focused on reducing the cost burden that uninsured diabetic patients face when trying to access insulin. This pilot highlights our ongoing vision of improving the health of the community by eliminating barriers to care faced by the uninsured patients living in our region.”~ Donney John, PharmD, Executive Director NOVA ScriptsCentral
NSC’s multi-branched population health approach combines medication access to the uninsured, a tool to help providers navigate Medicaid prescription drug coverage, a proactive immunization initiative, community health and wellness education, and a database of community support services called NOVA ScriptsCompass.
