New Rule Cuts Insulin, Epinephrine Costs at Health Centers - Lifeline for Older Adults and the Chronically Ill

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has issued new requirements to dramatically reduce the cost of insulin and injectable epinephrine for low-income patients receiving care at federally funded health centers. The move is expected to offer critical relief to older adults, many of whom struggle to afford medications that are essential to managing chronic conditions.

The updated award terms, announced Tuesday, direct all HRSA-funded health centers to make insulin and epinephrine available at or below the price paid by the center under the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The changes align with President Trump’s executive order, “Lowering Drug Prices by Putting Americans First.”

“Every American should be able to afford the prescription medications they rely on to live a healthy life.” Today’s action ensures that HRSA-funded health centers pass these critical cost savings on to patients.” — HRSA Administrator Tom Engels

Who Benefits - and Why It Matters for Older Adults

Insulin and epinephrine are among the most widely used medications for older Americans. Insulin is a daily necessity for more than 15 million adults managing diabetes, while epinephrine is life-saving during severe allergic reactions.

For many older adults living on fixed incomes, high drug costs can lead to skipped doses, health complications, and emergency hospitalizations.

Many doctors have said that this new requirement directly helps seniors who may otherwise ration insulin or delay filling prescriptions. These medications are non-negotiable. Lowering the cost makes consistent use more likely.

When chronic conditions are not well-managed, older adults face higher risks of long-term care placement, especially after medical emergencies tied to poor medication adherence.

The need for long-term care services is already increasing, so experts say anything that can improve health and quality of life can help reduce the need for extended care, at least for the need for facility care.

The Role of 340B and Community Health Centers

More than 31 million Americans receive care at HRSA-supported health centers, which operate more than 15,500 locations nationwide. Over 90% of patients served by these centers have household incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level, according to HRSA data.

The 340B Drug Pricing Program, established in 1992, allows eligible providers to buy outpatient drugs at steep discounts. However, until now, the law did not require those savings to be passed directly to patients.

This new rule changes that—at least for insulin and epinephrine—by mandating lower out-of-pocket prices for patients who often need the help most.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr told Congress that President Trump ordered him to do something about drug pricing.

The President has ordered me to do something that no other president has done before: establish across-the-board “Most Favored Nation” drug pricing. Americans shouldn’t be saddled with sky-high bills for medication their tax dollars helped develop.

Supporting Healthy Aging and Reducing Care Burden

For adults aging at home, staying on top of chronic conditions can make the difference between independence and needing long-term care. Medication non-adherence has been tied to falls, strokes, diabetic comas, and ER visits—often leading to costly assisted living or nursing home stays.

“Affordable access to insulin and epinephrine is a form of long-term care prevention. The sooner we stabilize chronic conditions, the longer older adults can remain more independent and out of institutional care. Most older adults wish to age at home and while the need for extended care will always be there, quality of care ta home is always preferable for most people.” — Matt McCann, a nationally known long-term care planning expert.

What Families Should Know — and Ask

If you or a loved one is receiving care at an HRSA-funded health center, here are a few steps to take:

• Ask about pricing for insulin and epinephrine under the new rule.
• Verify eligibility if you are on a fixed income or qualify for sliding scale care.
• Plan ahead — talk with aging parents about preferences for staying at home or entering care, and make sure their medication needs are affordable and accessible.

Retirement planning should address aging and future long-term care. You should explore adding Long-Term Care Insurance to retirement planning to provide tax-free funds to pay for quality extended care services due to aging, chronic health, accidents, dementia, or frailty due to aging.

Real Policy Momentum — and Oversight to Match

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, praised the change.

This is a common-sense action that aligns the original purpose of 340B with the reality patients face at the pharmacy counter. Patients should not be going without life-saving medications while the system profits.

Health centers are being encouraged to implement the new pricing terms immediately. HRSA has stated it will monitor compliance to ensure patient savings are being realized.

Final Thought

If you’ve been worried about the cost of life-saving medication for yourself or an aging parent, this federal rule could be a turning point. It’s not just about lower prices—it’s about giving people a better chance to age safely, stay out of the hospital, and remain where they want to be: at home.