Several times during the debate last night candidates brought up the cost of insulin. Is insulin cost supposed to be a proxy for state of health care system as a whole? If so, why?
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Insulin is a common medication that –
A. has been around lone enough that pretty much everyone has heard of it
B. is generally a drug that if you need it, you’ll require it or die, and will be on for life
C. treats a condition that’s common enough that nearly everyone knows at least 1 person who needs insulin
D. a common factor in needing insulin is being a total lethargic unit with a terrible diet – a US demographic large enough for these politicians to be specifically courting.
E. it’s common knowledge that insulin is incredible cheap to make, like under $5 to produce a vial. Also that most modern nations will provide insulin to their citizens free of charge. While it’s getting better, in the US that same <$5 vial might cost a patient anywhere from $75-$300.
So it’s a pretty easy talking point and synecdoche for the US medical system.
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