WASHINGTON – Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) released a bipartisan report titled “Insulin Deserts: The Urgency to Reduce the Cost of Insulin for Everyone” that highlights insulin disparities in the United States. The senators’ report confirms the need to make the prices of this life-saving medication more affordable for Americans with diabetes.
In March, Kennedy and Warnock presented the Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023 cap the price of insulin for all patients, including those who are uninsured, at $35 for a 30-day supply.
“The cost of insulin is rising for too many Louisianans who rely on it just to survive. I am grateful to work with Senator Warnock to release this bipartisan report, which details the need for Congress to pass our Affordable Insulin Act now. By capping prices at $35 for each patient, we can help reduce future health care costs associated with complications from untreated diabetes,” Kennedy said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Americans spend $327 billion annually to cover healthcare expenses and lost wages related to diabetes care. Louisiana It alone spends approximately $5.7 billion on diabetes care each year.
“This alarming report makes clear who will be left behind if Congress fails to exceed my $35 cap on insulin costs, including uninsured Georgians who live in the 105 counties considered deserts. ‘insulin. There is some good news, however: My bipartisan legislation with Senator Kennedy would ensure that uninsured people, especially those living in insulin deserts, can afford their insulin by capping their cost at $35 per month. Warnock said.
Kennedy and Warnock’s report finds that there are 813 counties in America that are “insulin deserts,” places where 16% or more of the population is uninsured and 10% or more of the population suffers. of diabetes.
The 2023 law for affordable insulin now:
- Require private or individual group plans to cover one of each insulin dosage form (i.e. vial, pen) and type of insulin (i.e. rapid-acting, short-acting , intermediate-acting or long-acting) for a maximum of $35 per month.
- Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to reimburse eligible entities to cover all costs exceeding $35 for providing a 30-day supply of insulin to uninsured patients.
- Be entirely financed by compensation, so as not to worsen the deficit.
In addition to the Affordable Insulin Now Act, Kennedy last year introduced a amendment to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to cap insulin costs. In 2021, Kennedy introduced the Seniors Saving on Insulin ActTHE Life-Saving Medicines Affordability Act and the Ending the Costly Insulin Law to deal with the soaring prices of insulin and epinephrine.
Kennedy also wrote an opinion article in the Washington Examiner to highlight how capping the price of insulin would save Americans money overall and an opinion article in the Ouachita Citizen which details legislative solutions to reduce insulin costs for Louisiana families.
Read the full report here.
