Reitz-Backed Initiative to Cap Out-of-Pocket Insulin Costs Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To make sure diabetic individuals are not slapped with outrageous bills for their insulin, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is leading an initiative to cap costs for insulin prescriptions.

“My commitment to building a stronger Illinois includes fighting for affordable health care and reining in prescription drug costs,” said Reitz. “It is wrong that there are folks out there that have to choose between filling their prescriptions, or buying groceries and keeping a roof over their head.”

Reitz sponsored Senate Bill 667, a measure that would cap the co-pay for insulin at $100 per month. Reitz’s bill, which recently passed the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives with an overwhelming majority, comes in response to the massive spike in insulin prices, which between 2002 and 2013, increased nearly 300%. There are 1.3 million adult diabetics in Illinois, many of whom regularly rely on insulin to maintain their health and quality of life.

“Diabetes is a common health condition, especially among seniors, many of whom live on a fixed income,” continued Reitz. “We all know and love a person with diabetes. These people should not have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for a medication that they need to survive.”

For more information, please call Rep. Reitz’s constituent service office at 618-282-7284 or email RepNReitz@gmail.com.