Insulin is a life-saving medication for millions of people with diabetes, yet its cost in the U.S. is sky-high. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 vaccine was rolled out free of charge to the public. So, what gives? Why can’t insulin get the same treatment? The answer isn’t simple, but it’s worth unpacking.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Hype: A Public Health Emergency
The COVID-19 vaccine was fast-tracked and made free because it was treated as a global public health emergency. Governments, pharmaceutical companies, and organizations poured billions into research, production, and distribution. The goal was to stop a pandemic in its tracks, and the urgency justified the massive investment. Insulin, while critical, hasn’t been framed as an emergency on the same scale—even though it absolutely should be.
The Insulin Price Tag: A Broken System
Insulin has been around for over a century, and its original inventors sold the patent for just $1 to make it accessible. Fast forward to today, and the cost of insulin in the U.S. has skyrocketed, with some people paying hundreds of dollars per month. The issue? A combination of patent loopholes, limited competition, and a healthcare system that prioritizes profits over people. Unlike the COVID-19 vaccine, insulin isn’t subsidized by the government to the same extent, leaving patients to foot the bill.
Big Pharma’s Role: Profits vs. People
Pharmaceutical companies argue that the high cost of insulin covers research, development, and production. But here’s the kicker: the formula for insulin hasn’t changed much in decades. Critics point out that the real issue is price gouging and a lack of regulation. While the government stepped in to fund COVID-19 vaccines, insulin remains a cash cow for Big Pharma.
The Politics of Healthcare
Let’s be real: healthcare in the U.S. is a political minefield. Efforts to cap insulin prices or make it more affordable have been met with resistance from lobbyists and lawmakers tied to the pharmaceutical industry. The COVID-19 vaccine was a bipartisan win, but insulin reform? That’s been stuck in legislative limbo for years.
What Needs to Happen
Here’s the deal: insulin should be free or at least affordable for everyone who needs it. To make that happen, we need systemic change. That could mean government subsidies, stricter price regulations, or even producing generic insulin at a lower cost. Advocacy groups and grassroots movements are pushing for these changes, but it’s going to take public pressure to get the ball rolling.
The Bottom Line
The COVID-19 vaccine proved that when there’s enough political will and public support, life-saving medications can be made accessible to all. Insulin deserves the same treatment. It’s time to hold policymakers and pharmaceutical companies accountable and demand affordable insulin for everyone.
