California’s efforts to lower insulin costs need to address the middlemen

To the editor: I applaud California’s daring transfer to supply CalRx-branded insulin at decrease costs (“Cheaper insulin will soon be available through California’s state prescription program,” Oct. 16). However for this effort to succeed, the state should tackle the middlemen and supply-chain pressures that usually erase affected person financial savings.

Whereas pharmacies will purchase a five-pack for $45 and promote at $55, pharmacy profit managers can still impose hidden fees or restrictive contracts that shift prices again to the affected person or squeeze small pharmacies. Many impartial pharmacies in California have already closed after being reimbursed at lower than price, creating entry deserts.

To safeguard CalRx, the state ought to require transparency in profit administration practices and honest pharmacy reimbursement. Senate Bill 41 is an effective begin. California’s insulin initiative is a superb step ahead, modeling an strategy which will succeed nationwide if it protects each sufferers and pharmacies that serve them.

Padmashree Muralidharan, San Diego