### Struggles of People with Diabetes and Limited Health Insurance People with diabetes (PWDs) often face severe challenges when they lack adequate health insurance. The high cost of insulin and other necessary medications can lead to dangerous practices like rationing insulin, which is life-threatening. Many PWDs have had to make significant sacrifices, such as dropping out of school or taking on jobs solely for health insurance. ### Efforts to Help Several initiatives and programs aim to assist PWDs in managing their condition despite financial constraints: 1. **Affordable Care Act (ACA)**: Passed in 2010, the ACA helped by preventing insurance denial due to preexisting conditions and allowing young adults to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26. 2. **Advocacy and Awareness**: Organizations like the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) and Beyond Type 1 (BT1) work to raise awareness and push for legislative changes to make insulin more affordable. 3. **GetInsulin.org**: This program helps PWDs find resources and programs to get insulin and other medications at reduced costs. 4. **Social Media and Community Support**: Many PWDs use social media to share resources and even provide financial assistance to each other in times of crisis. 5. **Manufacturer Programs**: Insulin manufacturers often have discount programs and emergency supply options to help those in immediate need. ### Conclusion While these efforts provide some relief, the fight for affordable insulin and comprehensive health insurance continues. Advocacy remains crucial, and PWDs are encouraged to explore all available resources and support systems.