How New York can safeguard diabetes patients without banning off-label care
Across New York, people with diabetes have faced growing challenges accessing essential medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and other GLP-1 therapies. These drugs are life-changing for managing blood sugar and preventing serious complications. Yet supply shortages and high costs have made access harder than it should be.
Some have suggested banning off-label prescribing for weight loss. While well-intentioned, that approach risks limiting medical judgment and patient choice — without fixing the real causes of the problem.
New York can do better.
Instead of blanket bans, we should implement targeted, patient-first policies that protect diabetes patients while respecting the healthcare system.
Here is a practical, focused plan to make that happen:
1. Prioritize Diabetics During Shortages
Policy: When supply is limited, people with diabetes should be first in line.
Implementation in New York:
The NYS Department of Health (DOH) can require pharmacies to:
- Verify diabetes diagnoses for priority access
- Reserve a portion of GLP-1 inventory for diabetes patients
- Prevent stockpiling for non-essential uses during shortages
This mirrors how New York already prioritizes access to critical medications during public health emergencies.
Result: Diabetics get reliable access to the medicine they need — even when supply is tight.
2. Expand Manufacturing Capacity
Policy: Increase the production of essential diabetes medications.
Implementation in New York:
New York can:
- Offer tax incentives to pharmaceutical manufacturers that expand GLP-1 production
- Partner with biotech firms in Long Island, Westchester, and the Capital Region
- Fast-track permits for facilities producing essential medications
New York already supports advanced manufacturing — this simply directs it toward public health needs.
Result: More supply, fewer shortages, and greater stability statewide.
3. Guarantee Insurance Coverage for Diabetics
Policy: No New Yorker with diabetes should be priced out of treatment.
Implementation in New York:
The state can require that:
- All NY-regulated insurers cover GLP-1 drugs for diabetes
- Out-of-pocket costs are capped for essential medications
- Medicaid provides uninterrupted coverage
This builds on New York’s strong consumer protection framework.
Result: Diabetes patients get consistent, affordable access — regardless of income.
4. Separate Supply Channels for Diabetes vs. Weight Loss
Policy: Ensure diabetes prescriptions aren’t competing with cosmetic or elective use.
Implementation in New York:
The state can work with manufacturers and distributors to:
- Track inventory separately for diabetes and weight-loss prescriptions
- Require wholesalers to prioritize medical necessity
- Prevent diversion during shortages.
Result: Essential care is protected without limiting legitimate medical use.
5. Regulate Marketing — Not Doctors
Policy: Stop aggressive off-label marketing without restricting medical judgment.
Implementation in New York:
New York can:
- Enforce strict rules on pharmaceutical advertising
- Penalize misleading weight-loss promotions
- Require clear labeling on approved uses
Doctors still decide what is best for patients — but companies can’t push hype over health.
Result: Less artificial demand, more responsible prescribing.
6. Improve Prescription Transparency
Policy: Track prescribing trends to identify shortages early.
Implementation in New York:
DOH can:
- Monitor GLP-1 prescription data
- Flag abnormal spikes in non-diabetic use
- Issue early warnings to pharmacies and providers
Result: Faster responses before shortages become crises.
7. Expand Access to Diabetes Alternatives
Policy: Give patients more treatment options.
Implementation in New York:
The state can:
- Support research into alternative diabetes therapies
- Ensure older insulin drugs remain affordable
- Expand access to lifestyle and nutrition programs
Result: Patients are not dependent on a single medication class.
The Bottom Line
New York does not need heavy-handed bans to protect people with diabetes.
We need smart policy, strong oversight, and patient-centered solutions:
✔ Prioritize those who need the medicine
✔ Expand supply
✔ Control costs
✔ Regulate marketing
✔ Respect doctors
✔ Plan ahead
This approach protects health without limiting freedom — and ensures no New Yorker with diabetes is left behind.