WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the passage of his legislation to lower everyday costs for Michigan families and seniors by addressing the high cost of insulin. The legislation passed with votes from Democrats and Republicans.
The Affordable Insulin Now Act, which Kildee introduced in February, would help Americans with diabetes by ensuring there is a $35 per month cap on out-of-pocket costs for insulin.
“Michigan families and seniors are paying too much for insulin. Today, with bipartisan support, the House passed my legislation to cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month,” said Congressman Kildee. “As the father of a diabetic, I have seen first-hand how the extremely high price of prescription drugs, like insulin, hurts patients and families. That’s why I fought for this legislation in the House of Representatives, and I’m proud to say my bill has passed. In Congress, I will continue working with Republicans and Democrats to lower costs for mid-Michigan families.”
In Michigan, it is estimated that one in 10 people have a form of diabetes. Insulin was discovered over 100 years ago. Since then, little about insulin has changed, but its price has skyrocketed in recent years. Americans pay more than 10 times the price of insulin compared to similar high income countries and one in four Americans with diabetes have reported skimping on their prescribed medicine because of its cost.
Congressman Kildee spoke on the House floor today just before the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass his Affordable Insulin Now Act. Video of Kildee’s remarks is available here.
“As a person living with type-1 diabetes, my life literally depends on my ability to afford insulin,” said Jill Verdier, a mid-Michigan resident and Congressman Kildee’s virtual guest to the 2022 State of the Union. “By capping the price of insulin, the Affordable Insulin Now Act would allow me to plan for the future without the constant, crushing worry of pharmacy bills. Living with an incurable disease is hard enough without constantly having to worry about the rising price of insulin. I am so grateful to Congressman Kildee for introducing the Affordable Insulin Now Act to ensure I always have access to this lifesaving medication.”
“The Hurley Diabetes Center is proud to support Congressman Kildee’s Affordable Insulin Now Act. Not taking insulin or rationing it because of the cost can lead to serious health consequences such as amputations, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and even death. Congressman Kildee’s legislation will allow people with diabetes in mid-Michigan to afford the lifesaving medication they need every day,” said Michele Bernreuter, Diabetes Program Manager of Hurley Medical Center.
“For decades, drug company greed has forced millions of diabetics to pay outrageous prices for the medications they need to survive,” said Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care. “Even when insulin vials only cost a few dollars to produce, drug companies have hiked the price to hundreds of dollars per month, forcing too many patients to ration insulin and skip doses altogether. Representatives Kildee, Craig and McBath’s bill capping out-of-pocket insulin costs to $35 a month for diabetics with insurance is a critical step to drive down prescription drug prices. It will put more money in families’ pockets and give them peace of mind knowing they won’t have to choose between purchasing this lifesaving medication and putting food on the table. We commend Democrats in Congress for their commitment to fighting for a future where quality, affordable health care is a reality for every American.”
“Congressman Kildee’s legislation is incredibly important for patients served by health centers,” said Phillip Bergquist, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association. “This legislation will provide individuals who have serious health concerns related to diabetes affordable access to insulin and dramatically improve their wellbeing. As a representative and advocate for Michigan’s Federally Qualified Health Centers and the nearly 720,000 individuals they serve, MPCA is thrilled with the positive impact this legislation will have on Michiganders.”
This legislation is supported by the American Diabetes Association, JDRF, Social Security Works, Protect Our Care and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
–Courtesy of Rep. Kildee’s Office