Why Does Insulin Cost More in the U.S.?

A recent EurekAlert! article discussed a new study that examined the cost of insulin in the United States compared to other nations around the world. The RAND Corporation study found that prices are more than eight times higher in the U.S. than in 32 high-income comparison nations combined. 

The team behind the study used manufacturer prices, which may be misleading due to rebates and other discounts that often drive down the cost paid by individuals. However, even if rebates and discounts drive prices down 50%, prices paid by U.S. consumers are still four times the average in other comparable nations.