Foster Votes to Lower Cost of Insulin for Illinois Families

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) voted for landmark legislation to deliver lower insulin costs for Illinois families. By capping out-of-pocket expenses, the Affordable Insulin Now Act would ensure that Illinoisans pay no more than $35 for a monthly supply of insulin.

"Today, I was proud to vote for legislation that would directly help Americans living with diabetes afford their medicine and lower health care costs for Illinois families," said Foster. "It's beyond time we get control of the outrageous insulin prices that are threatening the health and financial security of millions of Americans. Capping the cost of lifesaving insulin at $35 each month will immediately cut costs for hard working families in Illinois."

Rising by 54 percent from 2014 to 2019, the cost of insulin has created an affordability crisis for the 9.5 percent of people in Illinois who are living with diabetes. Americans currently face an average price of $98.70 for a unit of insulin — ten times higher than in other wealthy nations. One in four Americans who rely on insulin have been forced to ration doses due to high prices, a last resort with potentially fatal consequences.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act would require private health insurance plans to cover insulin, limiting monthly cost-sharing to $35 or 25 percent of a plan's negotiated price – whichever is lower. It also requires Medicare prescription drug plans to limit cost-sharing for insulin to $35 per month. This legislation comes as House Democrats continue working to advance comprehensive reform addressing the high cost of prescription drugs.

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