Mah-Backed Insulin Price Cap Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois residents who rely on insulin to manage their diabetes will experience relief from skyrocketing costs under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, which recently became law.

“The ballooning cost of insulin is putting families in crisis and forcing them to make painful choices with potentially deadly consequences,” said Mah. “No one should ever go without the medication they need to live because of the greed of big pharmaceutical companies. Yet time and time again, we’re hearing horror stories of patients taking less than the amount prescribed or not filling their prescription at all because it’s just too expensive.”

The price of insulin tripled between 2002 and 2013, forcing many patients to take drastic and dangerous measures to stretch their medication supply between paychecks. According to the Yale School of Medicine, one in four patients rations their supply of insulin because they cannot afford the full amount they need. To control the cost of this vital medication, Mah backed Senate Bill 667, which Gov. Pritzker recently signed into law. Senate Bill 667 caps monthly copays for insulin at $100, regardless of how much a patient uses.

“This legislation is a major step toward holding pharmaceutical companies accountable while lowering costs for people in desperate need of care,” said Mah. “Our work is not done, however. This session I remain committed to finding creative solutions to rein in outrageous prescription drug costs, and making sure all families can afford the health care they need.”

Mah is serving her second term representing the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of McKinley Park, Pilsen, Chinatown, Bridgeport, Brighton Park and Back of the Yards. For more information, please contact Mah’s district office at 872-281-5775.