‘It’s Corrupt:' Oklahoma’s Attorney General Sues Multiple Drug Companies Over Insulin Prices

Insulin prices have skyrocketed in the last few decades. Insulin is a life necessity for people with Type 1 Diabetes. Out-of-pocket costs place difficult choices on families. 

At the Brown family’s Edmond home, neighbors will find them playing soccer -- keeping their eyes on the ball and focused on healthy habits. Health has always been on Shaun Brown’s mind.   

His daughter Riley has diabetes. She requires insulin and faces the same challenges people with diabetes face each day. 

“Having to monitor her blood sugar at all times,” Brown said. “Because her body right now – doesn't produce that insulin.” 

In the 1990s insulin cost $20. Today insulin can cost $300 -- $700 without insurance. “It’s sad,” Brown said. 

Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit against drug companies for their pricing strategies. “That’s egregious. It’s corrupt,” Drummond said. “That’s not American. That’s not the Oklahoma way.” 

According to CBS News, some drug manufacturers capped monthly costs at $35. However, not all patients qualify. “We hear from other families that literally have to ration insulin,” Brown said. 

Insurance and insulin donations have helped Brown’s family, but he knows many families must sacrifice other necessities. “It breaks my heart for those people and those families. it just doesn’t seem fair,” he said. 

Brown said this lawsuit gives him hope. “We are all for it,” Brown said. 

He hopes companies kick profits aside -- so, his family can achieve their goals, and they can keep their eyes on what matters. “Just do the right thing,” Brown said. “Do right by people.” 

Drummond said this lawsuit exposes the strategies used to drive up prices. Oklahoma is in the top ten for diabetes nationwide costing the state $6 billion each year. Drummond encouraged anyone struggling to pay for insulin to contact his office. He said this could help in the fight to lower prices.