The American Diabetes Association® applauds Vermont’s governor and legislature for passing a cap on insulin co-pays.
Today, Vermont House Bill 969 was signed into law by Governor Phil Scott. The law limits cost-sharing for insulin to $100 per 30-day supply for those with state-regulated commercial health insurance, a measure supported by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The cap applies to the enrollee’s total insulin cost, so if someone requires more than one type of insulin, their cost-sharing would still not exceed $100 in total.
Stephen Habbe, Director for State Government Affairs for the ADA, issued the following statement:
“With 57,000 people in Vermont living with diabetes, and 165,000 with prediabetes, this is one of the most urgent issues for the state. Insulin prices have skyrocketed, tripling in price between 2002 and 2013, and $360 million is spent treating diabetes and its complications in Vermont each year. It is critical that elected officials address the needs of their citizens with diabetes. The ADA thanks Governor Phil Scott, Senator Cheryl Hooker, Representative Mari Cordes and the leadership and members of the legislature for passing this bill into law, and for their efforts to address the cost of care and to help those who live with diabetes thrive.”
For more information about the new law, which will take effect in 2022, please contact the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation at dfr.insuranceinfo@vermont.gov.
While this law is an important step forward in the fight for affordable care, the ADA recognizes that people with diabetes need relief now more than ever. The ADA continues to be the driving force in federal and state efforts to ensure that insulin is affordable and accessible for all people who need it. Take action today at diabetes.org/advocacy/platform.
If you are struggling to pay for insulin or know someone who is, the ADA has resources to help—visit InsulinHelp.org.
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,About the American Diabetes Association
Every day more than 4,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes in America. More than 122 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes and are striving to manage their lives while living with the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 80 years the ADA has been driving discovery and research to treat, manage and prevent diabetes, while working relentlessly for a cure. We help people with diabetes thrive by fighting for their rights and developing programs, advocacy and education designed to improve their quality of life. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
