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Press Release

Cuellar Votes to Cap Out-of-Pocket Costs for Insulin

The Affordable Insulin Now Act caps costs for Insulin at $35/month in Medicare Part D and commercial health insurance

Washington | Dana Youngentob, DC Press Secretary (202-340-9148) | Jose Sanz, District Press Secretary (956)-725-0639, March 31, 2022

Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) voted in favor of the of the Affordable Insulin Now Act to cap out-of-pocket Insulin costs at $35 per month in Medicare Part D and commercial health insurance plans.

Beginning in 2023, the bill requires private health plans to cover at least one of each type and dosage form of insulin.

“Historically, diabetes has affected the Hispanic community disproportionately. My district knows this all too well. Our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends struggle to afford the life-saving Insulin medication which has risen in price more than 50% over the last decade,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This legislation is non-negotiable—we must lower the out-of-pocket cost of Insulin. As your representative in Congress, I will continue to support legislation that keeps more money in your pockets while keeping our family and friends healthy and safe.”

The legislation caps cost-sharing for a 30-day supply at the lesser of $35 or 25 percent of a plan’s negotiated price. The bill also requires all Medicare prescription drug plans to cap cost-sharing for insulin at no more than $35. 

As a staunch advocate for diabetes prevention and treatment, Cuellar previously secured $1,338,664,000 for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the FY22 Appropriations Omnibus, including $151,129,000 to enhance efforts to prevent diabetes and reduce its complications, and $33,300,000 to expand the Diabetes Prevention Program.

To view a summary of the Insulin bill, click here.

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