Collins Calls Attention to American Diabetes Month, Highlights Legislation to Bring Down Cost of Insulin

CHICAGO – To bring attention to the diabetes epidemic, state Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, is recognizing American Diabetes Month and highlighting legislation to bring down the price of insulin

“Diabetes is a challenging illness to live with, even without considering the cost of insulin,” said Collins. “Although we’ve made strides here in Illinois to lower to cost of insulin and other prescription drugs, we need to do more to make essential medicine more accessible for Illinoisans living with diabetes.”

Collins is a chief co-sponsor on legislation to cap the price of insulin at $30 for a 30-day supply.  According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 1.3 million adults in Illinois have diabetes, with roughly 341,000 not knowing they have diabetes. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death nationally and in Illinois. November is recognized as American Diabetes Month to educate the thousands of people at risk for diabetes, work toward a cure, and improve the quality of life for those who live with the illness.

“Those living with diabetes should not have to choose between filling their prescription and paying their monthly bills,” Collins said. “Illinois is already leading the way in the fight against soaring prescription drug prices, and this legislation will continue to show that we value the health of our citizens over profits for prescription drug companies.”