INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis woman's fight for her life is taking center stage at the Indiana Statehouse and it's a battle that could impact people across the state.
Sa'Ra Skipper said a previous RTV6 story helped get her the insulin she needs to survive, but she also knows there are people across the state who still can't afford the life-saving medicine. Skipper is taking her story to state legislators.
"I'm gonna just tell my story how I just realized the toll the price of insulin is starting to take on my family," Skipper said.
She's been Type I diabetic since she was 5-years old. The high cost of insulin has forced Skipper to ration the medicine — meaning she takes less than her required dosage just to survive. It's something she knows many people with diabetes are forced to do.
"My message really is just to inform people and let them know the seriousness of the issue," she said. "They have to ration and that leads to death, leads to amputation of extremities all because they can't afford it."
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Woman forced to ration diabetes medication due to high costs
The cost of one vial of insulin was around $30 in the 1990s. Skipper said even with insurance that same vial is now $300 to $400 and her monthly supply costs nearly $1,000.
Skipper has a message for the drug companies that produce insulin.
"You're pocketing what they can't afford and it's just unfortunate — it's not fair," she said.
Skipper will be speaking in front of the state health committee in favor of House Bill 1029. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis, would create a committee to examine why drug prices are on the rise.
"I know there are a lot of Hoosiers out there having a problem paying their prescription drug costs," Shackleford said. "Why are those prices so high and where are those increases coming from?"
Shackleford said a lobbyist for Eli Lilly will be testifying Wednesday in favor of the bill.
"I hope that the lobbyist will be there with the best intentions, fully attentive and hearing the seriousness of this and why we need to have this pass," Shackleford said.
Skipper hopes the bill will pass.
"Hopefully, we can just get that transparency and there can be some fairness in the pricing," she said.
The bill will be heard in committee on Wednesday. If the bill passes out of committee it will get a floor reading where amendments can be added. The bill then must pass the house and senate and get the governor's signature. In addition, because the proposal establishes a study committee, it would also need approval from three of the four members of the legislative council.
For more information on the Indiana Drug Card: https://www.indianadrugcard.com/index.php
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