California to Sell Low-Cost Insulin Pens
California will start selling low-cost insulin pens in January, a first for a state, to combat diabetes and circumvent the pharmaceutical industry.
A pack of five pens will be available for $55 through the CalRx program, initiated by Gov. Gavin Newsom to provide less expensive medicines to state residents.
“California didn’t wait for the pharmaceutical industry to do the right thing. We took matters into our own hands,”
Newsom said, announcing the availability of the pens, which will be provided by Civica Rx, a nonprofit, through an arrangement with a manufacturer.
The CalRx program contracts with companies to make generic drugs, making this a significant move to bring affordable healthcare to the state.
Author's summary: California launches low-cost insulin program.