Slaughter-Backed Measure to Cap Insulin Prices Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Thanks to a new law that was supported by state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, the cost of insulin will be capped at $100 per month for Illinois patients. 

“It is absolutely unacceptable that pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers continue to raise the price of life-saving, prescription drugs in the name of profit and corporate greed,” said Slaughter. “No patient should ever be forced to ration their insulin or skip entire days because they could not afford a life-saving medication.”

Slaughter supported Senate Bill 667 to cap the out-of-pocket cost of prescription insulin co-payments at $100 per month for patients, regardless of the supply they require. Insulin costs have skyrocketed in recent years, nearly tripling in price over the past decade and forcing individuals to choose between purchasing life-saving medication and paying for other necessities. Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed the legislation into law, making Illinois the second state to cap insulin prices. The new law takes effect in January 2021.

“Diabetes impacts people across all socioeconomic levels and no one should be forced to watch a loved one die because they could not access a life-saving medication like insulin,” said Slaughter. “This new law is a pivotal step on the road to holding pharmaceutical companies accountable, making life-saving prescription drugs more affordable and expanding access to life-saving medication.”