Bipartisan Support Grows for Insulin Price Cap Legislation

Bipartisan legislation aimed at capping insulin costs at $35 a month for individuals with private insurance is gaining traction. Introduced in March, the bill recently added four more co-sponsors: Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).

The proposal now has support from 22 bipartisan co-sponsors, amidst Congressional efforts to address healthcare affordability. An April KFF poll highlighted the cost of healthcare as a major concern.

Originally introduced in 2023 with 13 co-sponsors, including seven Republicans, the bill did not advance past committee stages. The current iteration comes from Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), and Republicans Susan Collins (Maine) and John Kennedy (La.).

This legislation seeks to extend an existing $35 insulin cap for Medicare recipients, a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act, to include plans available on the ObamaCare marketplaces and private insurance plans. It also proposes a pilot grant program for ten states to provide insulin to uninsured diabetes patients at $35 a month.

Under the bill, group and individual market health plans would be required to waive deductibles and limit out-of-pocket costs to $35 or 25% of the list price per month for at least one form of each type and dosage of insulin.

Lawmakers hope to incorporate this legislation into essential bills due at the end of the year, including various healthcare program renewals.

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Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi provide weekly updates on how Washington’s policies are impacting your health.

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Policy changes expected to affect the healthcare sector:

• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a commitment from medical school accrediting bodies to enhance nutrition education across all levels of U.S. medical training.
• The hemp industry is working against time to halt an impending ban on hemp-derived intoxicants due in November.
• President Trump announced the addition of over 100 prescription medications to the TrumpRx drug platform, aiming for total offerings exceeding 800 discounted drugs.

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• The House Appropriations Committee’s assessment of the FY 2027 HHS funding bill.

In Other News

A fast-food chain claimed political savvy on social media after its endorsed candidate won against one backed by President Trump.

Around the Nation

State healthcare headlines:

• Debates over high-potency cannabis and associated health risks continue (Stateline).
• Texas’ healthcare workforce has grown significantly but remains insufficient (KERA).
• The NC State Health Plan board plans cost hikes for some retirees by 2027 (The News & Observer).

What We’re Reading

Noteworthy health news from other outlets:

• Measles risks highlighted as the World Cup draws crowds to U.S. cities (Fortune).
• Limited engagement from Kennedy on health portfolio issues (New York Times).
• Concerns over new Medicaid work rules arise (Politico).