From Democrat Rep. Art Staed:
Designed to cap prescription insulin costs at $100, House File 263 is making its way through the Legislature. Currently, insulin prices for those who are insured vary, but some brands have reached up to $300 or more for one vial (or enough for one month). The cost of insulin has continually increased over the last decade. The list prices of common insulin types have almost tripled from 10 years ago. One patient stated that they paid $20 out-of-pocket in 1997 per vial, and now they have to pay $294 for the exact same medication.
To address accessibility, another bill in the House allows patients to receive a 31-day emergency insulin supply with an expired prescription. The bill also includes medications like Epi-Pens and rescue inhalers. HF 262 is intended to prevent situations when a patient is unable to receive medications because they can’t reach their doctor, and they have an expired prescription.
Not taking insulin or insulin-rationing is a life-or-death situation. House Democrats will continue to work trying to lower the cost and make this medication available to everyone.
