Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Mark Zdechlik
Minnetonka

Medica to cap out of pocket costs for insulin

Injecting insulin
Eugenia Delgado shows the type of syringe she uses to inject insulin. Delgado is a diabetic and is among the many Minnesota latinos with a high prevalence of health-related issues. She knows her kids are at a higher risk for developing the disease, so she tries to keep them healthy by preparing the majority of their meals and making sure they get exercise.
Photo for MPR by Alex Kolyer

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Health insurer Medica announced Tuesday it will introduce a cap on the price its Minnesota customers will have to pay for insulin.

The company says its new policy will cover all types of insulin. Officials also note that none of Medica's fully insured commercial groups headquartered in Minnesota nor its individual-market customers here will have to pay more than $25 for a 30-day supply of the drug.

Medica says it will not increase health insurance premiums to pay for the enhanced benefit.

President and CEO John Naylor said the move will provide more affordable access to insulin.

"This could save individuals hundreds of dollars per month. The cost of insulin depends on the prescription and dosage and benefit design but for a number of folks this will amount to thousands of dollars in savings per year," he said.

The American Diabetes Association says the average price of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013.

Naylor says the cap is a response to those soaring prices.

"This is really something that we look at as a financial a life-line to some of our members," said Naylor. "The cost of their medication and the amount they spend as part of their take-home pay on their drugs is significant and we wanted to do our part in helping them be able to live healthier lives and be more financially stable."