Insulin Co-Pays Capped at $100 for New Yorkers with Diabetes

Press release

Insulin Co-Pays Capped at $100 for New Yorkers with Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association® applauds the New York governor and legislature for passing insulin co-pay cap in state budget

Recently, New York State Senate Bill 7506-B (S7506B) was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo as part of the 2020 New York State Budget. A provision in the law limits cost sharing for insulin to $100 per 30-day supply for those with state-regulated commercial insurance, a measure supported by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The new law will take effect as plans are issued or renewed in the upcoming year.

LaShawn McIver, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Advocacy for the ADA, issued the following statement:

“One of the most urgent issues faced by those living with diabetes today is the cost of insulin, which has skyrocketed in price, tripling in price between 2002 and 2013. With more than one in ten New Yorkers living with diagnosed diabetes, and nearly 130,000 more diagnosed every year, it is critical that elected officials address the needs of their citizens with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association thanks Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assembly Member Latoya Joyner and members of the legislature for passing this provision into law, and for their continued efforts to bring down the cost of insulin and help the more than two million New Yorkers who live with diabetes thrive.”

For more information about the new law, please contact the office of Senator Gustavo Rivera at grivera@nysenate.gov.

While this co-pay cap is a step forward in the fight for affordable insulin, the ADA recognizes that people with diabetes need relief now more than ever. To address the immediate needs of New Yorkers with diabetes during the current coronavirus pandemic, the ADA has urged Governor Cuomo to eliminate all cost-sharing for insulin in state-regulated health insurance plans until the crisis passes. The ADA also urged Governor Cuomo to ensure continuous access to health care for residents with diabetes who have lost their jobs due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
 

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.

# # #

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 nearly 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).