Ness Recognizes American Diabetes Month, Continues Fight for Affordable Health Care

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – To raise attention for American Diabetes Month, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is highlighting her legislation that would cap the price of insulin and make health care more affordable for working class families.

“Diabetes is a much more common health condition than many of us realize, and the use of insulin for many diabetic individuals is unavoidable,” said Ness. “So many Illinoisans lost their jobs during the pandemic, and lost access to health care due to no fault of their own. While our state has made huge strides to cut the cost of insulin, it is clear we must do more to make health care more affordable for individuals with diabetes.”

To bring attention to American Diabetes Month, Ness is highlighting House Bill 3403, legislation she introduced to lower the price cap on insulin to $30 for a 30-day supply. The CDC estimates that more than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, with medical costs and lost wages for individuals diagnosed with diabetes totaling $327 billion yearly.

“The COVID-19 health crisis has caused financial strain for many families, potentially making diabetic individuals make the unthinkable choice between paying their bills and filling their insulin prescription,” continued Ness. “I will continue working to build a stronger Illinois and make health care more affordable for our families.”

Ness represents the 66th Representative District, which includes all or parts of Algonquin, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, East and West Dundee, Elgin, Gilberts, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood and Sleepy Hollow.