Yingling Continues Fight to Lower Healthcare Costs for Illinois Residents

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To protect working families from unaffordable healthcare costs, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is highlighting a new law that took effect Jan. 1 that caps out-of-pocket costs for insulin. 

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced, the health and safety of our communities takes first priority,” said Yingling. “We cannot allow patients to be gouged by pharmaceutical companies for medicine that they need to survive.”

Yingling supported Senate Bill 667, which caps co-pays for insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply. The law also directs the Illinois Department of Insurance to issue a report summarizing insulin pricing practices and policy recommendations to further prevent overpricing of insulin. The law will provide relief for the estimated 1.3 million Illinoisans living with diabetes by reining in insulin prices that have skyrocketed over the years. From 2002 to 2013 insulin costs tripled for patients, according to the American Diabetes Association, putting an undue burden on families.

During his time in the General Assembly, Yingling has worked to make healthcare affordable and accessible. Recently, Yingling supported bipartisan legislation that reformed Medicaid in Illinois by reducing patient barriers to healthcare. He also has held numerous events in his district that provide healthcare information and services to residents throughout the community.

“Going into this new session, one of my top priorities will be advancing policies that keep our communities healthy,” said Yingling. “This new law is an instrumental step towards reducing healthcare costs for the middle-class, but we need to find additional solutions so that people can put their health first without concerns of cost.”