Rep. Walker Votes to Cap Skyrocketing Insulin Prices

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fighting for more affordable health care, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, recently voted to cap out-of-control insulin prices to $100 per month, helping those who too often must decide between paying their bills or taking life-saving medication.

“According to a recent analysis, the price of insulin has tripled between 2002 and 2013,” Walker said. “That price increase has been a huge financial burden on too many of the 1.3 million Illinoisans who require insulin to manage their diabetes. I’m proud to stand up against out of control pharmaceutical prices.”

Under Senate Bill 667, many Illinoisans who need insulin to manage their diabetes will see their cost reduced to $100 per month. According to the Yale School of Medicine, one in four patients with diabetes are currently forced to ration their insulin because of rising costs. The legislation passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and awaits the governor’s signature.

“Lowering health care costs is a major priority of mine,” Walker said. “People rationing their insulin or not taking medication they need to live because it costs too much is simply unacceptable. There’s much more work to be done on this issue, but capping out of control insulin costs is a good first step.”