Manley-Supported Legislation Lowering the Cost of Insulin Signed into Law

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As part of her efforts to ensure that residents have access to life-saving medications at an affordable cost, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Romeoville, helped pass two pieces of legislation that have been signed into law by Gov. Pritzker that will lower the price of insulin.

“Having essential medications be unaffordable can have devastating consequences, including forcing residents to choose between keeping themselves healthy and paying their bills,” Manley said. “In order to protect residents and ensure that no one, regardless of their financial situation, has to go without lifesaving drugs, it is critical that we do everything we can to find ways to keep medications, such as insulin, affordable.”

This spring, Manley helped pass two bills that will lower the price of insulin for Illinoisians. The first of these bills, House Bill 3639, requires insurers to cap the cost of a twin-pack of epinephrine injectors at $60. She also supported House Bill 2189, which limits the cost of a monthly supply of insulin at $35 for people with health insurance plans.

Since entering the General Assembly, Manley has fought to keep prescription drug prices affordable for residents. Earlier this year, she helped pass legislation prohibiting prescription drug manufacturers and distributors from price gouging certain medications. In addition, she helped pass legislation allowing the Illinois Department of Insurance to reject or modify unreasonable health insurance rate increases.

“We cannot sit by while our neighbors have to make impossible choices and potentially put their health and safety at risk in order to keep food on the table,” said Manley. “While these bills will help keep insulin affordable, there are other essential medicines that are becoming more and more expensive. I will continue to work to lower the price of prescription drugs and ensure that no one has to worry about being able to afford the medication that they depend on.”