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House Bill 2189 would create the Access to Affordable Insulin
Act and provide that each manufacturer shall establish
procedures to make insulin available to eligible individuals who
are in urgent need of it or who are in need of assistance to
access an affordable insulin supply.
The bill also seeks to provide better access to the drug while
forcing insurers to not charge more than $35 for a monthly
supply.
State Sen. Laura Murphy, D-Des Plaines, explained the measure in
Springfield on Tuesday and said something needs to be done to
address rising costs.
"Insulin prices have continued to increase since the early
2000s, leaving many people to forgo the life-saving medication
that they need," Murphy said. "According to the juvenile
diabetes research foundation, the cost of insulin has risen 600
percent over the last 20 years. Americans pay 10 times more for
their insulin then other countries pay."
State Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, is a co-sponsor of the
measure and says it could be a game-changer for many diabetics.
"I speak very highly on this legislation. It has the potential
to be a game changer for many Illinoisans who rely on insulin to
manage their diabetes," Belt said.
Belt said Murphy's legislation could help save lives in
Illinois.
"With Leader Murphy's measure, we have the ability to take a
significant step forward in addressing this issue," Belt said.
"By capping the price of insulin at $35, we can ensure the
people who need this medication can access it without having to
worry about the high price."
The measure currently sits with the state's Assignments
committee and awaits further action.
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April
of 2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
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