How Two States Took On the Cost of Insulin | OAS episode 151

Diabetes is a major health challenge in the U.S. About 30 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and the American Diabetes Association estimates several million more are undiagnosed. Millions of people with diabetes use insulin to control their condition, and the cost of insulin has been rising dramatically. In response, 18 states have implemented laws limiting the amount a health plan can charge a patient for insulin. Other states have created patient assistance programs or ensured payments made on behalf of a patient are applied solely to the patient’s out-of-pocket costs. The guests on this podcast—Delegate Matthew Rohrbach of West Virginia and Rep. Michael Howard of Minnesota—both carried legislation in their states to help patients afford their medication. They discussed the details of their legislation and the challenges in passing it. They also shared advice for other legislators who are working on the issue.

NCSL Podcasts · Rep. Michael Howard, Minnesota;, Del. Matthew Rohrbach, West Virginia