Stacey Abrams vows to combat soaring insulin prices with lower prices and uninsured safety net

Stacey Abrams, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in the state of Georgia, is vowing to tackle the soaring cost of insulin across the state.

Speaking to The Ledger-Enquirer, Abrams discussed her platform which will include a program to "provide an emergency, one-month supply of insulin to qualifying Georgiansprovide an emergency, one-month supply of insulin to qualifying Georgians as part of her plan to address access and rising insulin costs if she’s elected governor."

Per Abrams, the program would be available to low and moderate-income residents who have gaps in medical insurance coverage or face financial challenges due to unforeseen situations such as "the loss of a job, a recent move or other circumstances." Georgia residents who are uninsured will also have an opportunity to benefit from the program, which would have $23 million set aside by the state.

“Georgians with diabetes should not have to make tough choices about whether to ration or go without their insulin or provide for their families,” Abrams said.

The Democratic candidate is expected to share more details about the program while on the campaign trail in Columbus, Ga., and other areas in the southwest region of the state. “Georgia deserves a governor who is committed to addressing the skyrocketing cost of insulin and expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare,” Abrams said.

Tackling another area of healthcare and rising insulin costs, Abrams is also advocating for Medicaid expansion more alternatives to address insulin costs at the federal level

According to data from the American Diabetes Association's 2022 report, diabetes is a critical health concern for a substantial number of Georgia residents. Per the report: "More than 1 million Georgians of roughly 12.4% of the adult population have been diagnosed with diabetes. Another 234,000 have undiagnosed diabetes, and about 2.67 million Georgians have pre-diabetes. Total direct medical expenses for diagnosed diabetes in Georgia were an estimated $7.8 billion in 2017."

It added, "Total direct medical expenses for diagnosed diabetes in Georgia were an estimated $7.8 billion in 2017, according to the report."