Patricia’s Story

I live with high blood pressure as well as insulin-dependent diabetes. I am on Medicare and live off a fixed income. I am very money conscious, because I need to stretch out my budget in order to afford my medications, housing, food, and other necessities. Before I was eligible for Medicare, my insulin would have cost me $1,200 every three months. When I found out, I was stunned. I could not afford that. Fortunately, now that I am on Medicare, I am able to afford the copays for my insulin. However, with prices continuing to rise, I worry that I will be forced — again — to make the tough decision to go on the less safe insulin. Seniors like me should not have to decide between eating and taking their drugs.