The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) applauds Oregon Governor Kate Brown for signing legislation capping monthly copayments for insulin at $75 for those on state-regulated plans, making Oregon the 18th state, plus the District of Columbia, to enact a copay cap on the life-saving medication. State Representative Sheri Schouten from Beaverton, sponsored House Bill 2623 and through her leadership, gained overwhelming support from the entire legislative body in passing this legislation that will provide relief to many of the over 399,000 people living with diabetes in Oregon.
Taking less than the prescribed amount of insulin can lead to uncontrolled glucose levels causing damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, kidneys, or heart. Without enough insulin, a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis can occur. If untreated, it can be fatal. Even if a person is not rationing their insulin, it doesn’t mean that the costs aren’t burdensome. The cost can still affect a person’s life in other significant ways, a person with diabetes may not be able to pay rent because they have to buy insulin, or they may not be able to buy groceries or other medications they require.
“This bill will help Oregonians afford their lifesaving insulin. We know that one in four people with diabetes in Oregon has used less insulin than recommended because of cost. Making sure people can treat their disease effectively will keep them out of the emergency room and save money—on top of being the right thing to do for Oregonians,” said Representative Schouten, whose mother had type 1 diabetes.
“Working with Representative Schouten and the Oregon legislature to pass HB 2623 was special. I could not be prouder of Oregon for making this great first step in our efforts to help all Oregonians with diabetes have access to affordable insulin,” said Laura Keller, Director of State Government Affairs for the ADA, who grew up in Oregon and whose father died from type 1 diabetes complications.
For more information about Oregon’s new law, please contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation at the Consumer Hotline 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email DFR.InsuranceHelp@oregon.gov.
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 this life-sustaining medication.
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).
