The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) applauds Alabama Governor Kay Ivey today for signing House Bill 249, legislation that will cap insulin co-sharing at $100 per month for those on state-regulated health plans, without regard to the policy deductible, and regardless of the quantity or type of insulin needed to fill the insured patient's prescription. Bill sponsor, Representative Paul Lee, Chairman of the House Health Committee and Senator Tom Butler, Chairman of the Senate Veteran’s and Military Affairs Committee provided leadership on this important legislation to reduce the burden of insulin costs for people living with diabetes.
Alabama joins 15 other states, as well as the District of Columbia, that have enacted insulin copay caps to reduce costs of this life-saving drug. Approximately 672,000 Alabamians have diabetes, and approximately 30 percent of people with diabetes require insulin to live.
“People who need insulin can breathe easier, knowing they will not be subject to cost-sharing fluctuations but can count on a consistent monthly expense for insulin,” said Veronica De La Garza, Director of State Government Affairs for the American Diabetes Association. “House Bill 249 will reduce the financial burden for Alabamians on state-regulated health plans. This is important because a nationwide survey conducted by the ADA tells us the alarming reality: 1 in 4 people are impacted by the cost of insulin and have to choose between purchasing their life-saving insulin and paying for utilities, food or even housing.”
The ADA is appreciative of all the legislators and advocates who helped the legislation along the way. House Bill 249 received nearly unanimous support at all steps in the legislative process and will become effective on October 1, 2021. The ADA continues to be a leader in federal and state efforts to ensure that insulin is affordable and accessible for all people who need the life-sustaining medication to live.
If you are struggling to pay for insulin or know someone who is, the ADA has resources to help–visit InsulinHelp.org.
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About the American Diabetes Association
Every day more than 4,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes in America. More than 122 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes and are striving to manage their lives while living with the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 80 years the ADA has been driving discovery and research to treat, manage and prevent diabetes, while working relentlessly for a cure. We help people with diabetes thrive by fighting for their rights and developing programs, advocacy and education designed to improve their quality of life. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
