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U.S. Reps. Craig, Kildee and McBath Reintroduce Legislation to Cap Insulin Copays at $35 per Month

March 9, 2023

Last Congress, provisions of the Affordable Insulin Now Act were signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act – capping insulin copays for those on Medicare at $35 per month

The re-introduced Affordable Insulin Now Act will to do the same for Americans on private health insurance plans

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) Dan Kildee (MI-08) and Lucy McBath (GA-07) reintroduced their legislation to cap insulin copays at $35 per month.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act passed through the House with broad support from Democrats and 12 Republican votes during the 117th Congress.

The price of insulin has skyrocketed over 600% over the past 20 years, despite the fact that it costs about $10 to make a vial of insulin. Due to its egregious cost, up to 30% of Minnesotans living with diabetes have reported rationing their insulin treatments.

“It’s completely unacceptable that anyone would be forced to choose between putting food on the dinner table and buying their insulin,” said Rep. Craig. “This legislation will bring us one critical step closer toward changing that and ensuring that every American can access the health care they need. We can’t wait any longer to get this bill over the finish line.”

“Michigan families are paying too much for insulin. Last year, we made great progress by capping the cost of insulin for seniors, but our work isn’t done. No Michigander should have to struggle to afford this lifesaving medicine when it cost the big pharmaceutical companies less than $10 to produce,” Congressman Kildee said. “As a father of a type-1 diabetic, I have seen first-hand how the high price of prescription drugs like insulin affects families. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation to make insulin affordable for everyone.”

“We must lower the cost of this life-saving drug for every single American. This is a common-sense, bipartisan piece of legislation that would significantly improve access and affordability for insulin users, many of whom have had to ration or skip doses for decades. This is a policy that will cut costs and save lives,” said Congresswoman McBath.

The bill has earned several industry endorsements including the American Diabetes Association, Social Security Works, Protect Our Care and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

“For far too long, drug company greed has forced millions of diabetics across the country to pay outrageous prices for the medications they need to survive,” said Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care. “Even when insulin vials only cost a few dollars to produce, drug companies have hiked the price to hundreds of dollars per month, forcing far too many people to ration insulin and skip doses altogether. I’d like to personally thank Representative Angie Craig for her bill capping out-of-pocket insulin costs to $35 a month for all diabetics with insurance — not just those on Medicare. This long overdue measure takes major strides toward driving down prescription drug prices, and will put more money in families’ pockets, giving them peace of mind knowing they won’t have to choose between purchasing this lifesaving medication and putting food on the table. We commend Democrats in Congress for continuing to take the lead on fighting for a future where quality, affordable health care is a reality for every American.”

“The American Diabetes Association, the leading advocate for cost-sharing limits on insulin, is pleased to endorse the Affordable Insulin Now Act again this Congress,” said Lisa Murdock, the American Diabetes Association's Chief Advocacy Officer. "The bill's $35 monthly out-of-pocket cap on insulin for individuals with commercial insurance would be life-changing for the millions of Americans with diabetes who use insulin and do not benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare cap. This legislation is especially important for the one in four individuals with diabetes who report rationing their insulin due to increased costs.”

“No one should suffer, go bankrupt, or die because pharmaceutical corporations are price gouging the insulin they need to survive. This bill is a critical step towards ensuring that insulin is affordable for everyone in America,” said Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works. “This isn't a partisan issue. Eighty percent of all Americans say drug prices are too high and Social Security Works thanks Congresswoman Craig for acting to lower them. This bill is a critical step forward in protecting Americans from the criminally high prices that pharmaceutical companies charge.”

A copy of the Affordable Insulin Now Act can be found here.

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