Sens. John Kennedy, Susan Collins, Jeanne Shaheen, and Raphael Warnock introduced the Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act on Mar. 25. The legislation would cap insulin costs at $35 per month for Americans with private or employer insurance and launch a pilot program to provide insulin at the same price to those without insurance.
The proposal aims to address high out-of-pocket expenses faced by people with diabetes, which can reach $4,800 annually for medical appointments, supplies, and medications. These financial pressures have led some patients to ration their prescribed doses or go without needed medication.
Kennedy said, “When moms and dads lie down to sleep at night and can’t, they’re usually worried about the cost of living—and for a whole lot of families in Louisiana, one of the biggest worries is how they’re going to pay for life-saving medication like insulin. I’ve been working for years on legislation capping insulin prices and making it easier for folks living with diabetes to get the essential medication they need without going broke. Our bipartisan INSULIN Act would save Americans money, help them avoid life-threatening diabetes complications, and make our health care system look a bit more like we designed it on purpose.”
Collins said that millions rely on insulin daily: “Tens of millions of Americans rely on insulin as part of their daily treatment, and for many, it is literally a matter of life and death. I have heard far too many stories from people in Maine and across the country who have been forced to ration their insulin because of the cost, and that is simply unacceptable. This bipartisan legislation would cap the cost of insulin at $35 and address underlying issues in the insulin market so that more patients—both insured and uninsured—can afford the medication they need.”
Shaheen addressed rising costs: “The cost of insulin is getting more expensive year after year, forcing one in five Americans with diabetes to ration their insulin. That is completely unacceptable… Our legislation maps out a comprehensive commonsense plan that will finally lower the cost of insulin…” Warnock added support: “I’m proud this bipartisan coalition… agrees insulin should be affordable… No one should be forced to put their health or life in danger because they can’t afford insulin or don’t know where to get it.”
The INSULIN Act proposes several measures including requiring group health plans to waive deductibles on certain insulins; mandating pharmacy benefit managers pass through all manufacturer rebates; promoting generic competition; creating pilot grants in ten states targeting uninsured diabetics; establishing an information center; as well as supporting community health centers.
Kennedy has contributed significantly outside his legislative work—as an adjunct professor teaching law courses according to his official website. He also holds degrees from Vanderbilt University (magna cum laude), University of Virginia School of Law (law degree), Oxford University (Bachelor of Civil Law with first class honors), served as executive editor at Virginia Law Review during law school according to his official website, authored books on constitutional law according to his official website, serves as substitute teacher according to his official website, holds top Republican positions on subcommittees related to energy policy according to his official website, sits on Senate committees such as appropriations and judiciary according to his official website.
In addition to this bill with Sen. Warnock—the Affordable Insulin Now Act—was previously introduced by Kennedy aiming similarly to guarantee every American access to affordable monthly supplies.
