Today, Delaware Governor John Carney signed Senate Bill 316 to cap monthly costs of diabetes supplies and equipment, ensuring people living with diabetes have access to these necessities, an important step to reducing the overall cost of diabetes.
Diabetes equipment and supplies are integral to proper diabetes care and will promote better management while protecting the health and well-being of those living with diabetes. They are necessary for administering insulin and for monitoring blood glucose levels every day. Cost sharing for diabetes equipment and supplies can be as burdensome as the cost of insulin, leading to rationing of supplies or failure to utilize equipment that can improve their care. Senate Bill 316 will apply to state-regulated health insurance plans and state employee plans, taking effect in 2024 and 2023 respectively.
“Attention has appropriately been focused on the cost of insulin, but these equipment and supply needs can also present a serious affordability challenge for people living with diabetes,” said Stephen Habbe, vice president of state government affairs for the American Diabetes Association® (ADA). “With more than one in ten Delawareans living with diagnosed diabetes, the ADA applauds this positive step to improve affordability and health. Thanks to Governor Carney, the legislature, and lead sponsors Senator Marie Pinkney and Representative David Bentz for their work on passing this law and creating a positive impact on those living with diabetes.”
The ADA continues to be a leader in federal and state efforts to ensure that diabetes care is affordable and accessible. To help, reach out to your elected officials to show support for bills that will help make the cost of living with diabetes less of a burden. Visit the ADA’s Advocacy Page for more information on how you can make your voice be heard.
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About the American Diabetes Association
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 82 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of life for the over 133 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. 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), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
