Yingling Highlights Effort to Cap Insulin Costs, Coverage of Epi-pens

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is highlighting an effort to crack down on drug manufacturers by capping out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per month, as well as a new law which requires insurance companies to cover Epi-pens.

“Nobody should have to ration their medications because they cannot afford a refill,” Yingling said. “This legislation is about cracking down on the inhumane price gouging taking place so that every Illinoisan with diabetes has access to insulin.”

As part of his ongoing effort to rein in prescription drug costs, Yingling voted to pass Senate Bill 667, which caps insulin out-of-pocket costs at $100 per month, regardless of the amount that an insurer pays. Roughly 1.3 million Illinoisans use insulin to manage their diabetes, yet the price of this lifesaving medication has tripled over the last decade.  According to the Yale School of Medicine, one in four Americans with diabetes are currently forced to ration their insulin because of inhumane costs. The Yingling-backed effort currently awaits the governor’s consideration. 

Last spring, Yingling was also a strong voice for Public Act 101-0281, which made Illinois the first state in the nation to require insurance companies to cover epinephrine injectors or “Epi-pens” for children. The Yingling-backed law went into effect earlier this year.  

“Big pharma and insurance companies must held accountable,” Yingling said. “I’m proud of our work to protect consumers, ensuring middle-class families and seniors have access to affordable health care.”