Villa Backs Legislation to Cap Insulin Costs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To ensure that individuals in need of insulin do not face exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for their prescriptions, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is working to pass legislation to cap the co-payment that patients can be charged for their insulin each month.  

“For far too long, prescription drug companies have had free reign to put profit ahead of health, and have continually price gouged consumers for lifesaving medication,” said Villa. “It is wrong for diabetic individuals to be forced to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket each month for insulin, a medication that they need to survive.”

Villa is sponsoring Senate Bill 667, a measure that would ensure individuals that need prescription insulin do not face large out-of-pocket costs by capping the co-pay for insulin at $100 per month. Villa’s measure recently passed the Illinois Senate with an overwhelming majority, and is now in the House for consideration. This measure comes in response to the massive spike in insulin prices, which between 2002 and 2013, increased nearly 300%. There are 1.3 million adult diabetics in Illinois, many of whom regularly rely on insulin to maintain their health and quality of life.

“We have seen the deadly impact that the outrageous cost of insulin has had, with reports of people choosing to ration their insulin because they cannot afford to keep buying it. This extremely dangerous practice can ultimately mean the difference between life and death,” continued Villa. “This legislation is a part of my commitment to building a stronger Illinois by ensuring access to affordable health care for Illinois families and reining in prescription drug costs. I urge lawmakers to support this measure and send it to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s constituent service office at 630-326-9319 or at StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.