Kentucky group fighting to stop insulin price hikes

It is a drug that millions of Americans rely on to stay alive.

Officials say the climbing cost of insulin is leading some people across the border into Canada, looking for a cheaper price.

Meanwhile, one Kentucky group is now pushing for lower prices inside our borders.

Our sister station

reports the members of the local chapter of "Insulin For All" met Monday night in Lexington to discuss the measures they are looking to push that might help drive those prices down.

Angela Lautner, a chapter leader with the group, says she's dealt with the ordeal of trying to afford the drug first hand.

"I've been an airline employee laid off. I've moved in with my parents. I've borrowed money, and I've done a lot of things just to afford the one thing I need to survive, and that's insulin," said Lautner.

Larry Smith, another member, fights for his daughter, who has type one diabetes.

He blames pharmacy benefit managers for the high prices.

"Go to your congressmen, go to your senators, and have them do something about this," said Smith.

There is currently an effort in the U.S. Senate to rollback insulin price hikes.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire introduced a bill Monday called the Insulin Price Reduction Act.

Three other senators have already pledged to back the bill.