Vella Works to Lower Healthcare Costs, Supports Legislation Capping Insulin Costs

​ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to make healthcare more affordable for residents, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is pushing for legislation that would lower the costs of monthly supplies of insulin.

“With many healthcare costs rising year after year, it is critical that residents are able to pay for the medication they need,” said Vella. “Insulin is essential to the health of many Illinoisians, and this legislation will ensure that costs will not prevent residents from receiving this vital medication.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), around 1.3 million adults in Illinois have diabetes. To ensure that they are able to effectively manage their condition, Vella is co-sponsoring House Bill 3403, which would cap the out-of-pocket costs for a monthly supply of insulin at $30 for insured individuals.

Throughout his time as a state Representative, Vella has worked to make healthcare more affordable for residents. This session, he helped pass legislation that requires insurance companies to offer insurance plans with a flat-dollar copay prescription drug payment structure, increasing pricing transparency. He also voted for a bill that expands the health care coverage Medicaid provides for Illinoisans, including adding support for veterans and enhanced mental health care coverage.

“As the last year and a half have shown, having access to quality healthcare is an essential part of keeping both residents and our community as a whole safe and healthy,” said Vella. “As we begin a new legislative session at the start of next year, I will continue to work to ensure that everyone is able to have access to the health care that they deserve.”