Texas becomes 19th state to sign vital legislation to help insulin costs for those with diabetes
Today, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) applauded a major victory secured for people with diabetes in Texas as Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation yesterday that will help make insulin more affordable for Texans on state-regulated health plans. The new law, created by Senate Bill 827 and supported by the ADA, limits cost-sharing to $25 per prescription for a 30-day supply of insulin, regardless of the amount or type of insulin needed. With the signing of this bill, Texas becomes the 19th state to enact insulin co-pay cap legislation.
“The ADA thanks Gov. Abbott and bill authors Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and Rep. Eddie Lucio, III for their support of this legislation. Insulin is a life-saving medication for those who require it daily, but for too many people, it’s become unaffordable. This law will bring much-needed economic relief to those struggling to afford insulin on state-regulated plans,” said Veronica De La Garza, Director of State Government Affairs for the ADA.
According to the ADA, over 11% of Texans have diabetes, and another 34% have prediabetes, making it imperative to lower the out-of-pocket cost of insulin so people with diabetes can afford this live-saving medication. Insulin prices have skyrocketed in recent years, tripling in price between 2002 and 2013, and Texas spends $26 billion in treating diabetes and its complications each year. The new law will take effect on September 1, 2021.
The ADA continues to be a leader in federal and state efforts to ensure that insulin is affordable and accessible for all people who need this life-sustaining medication.
For more information about Senate Bill 827, please contact the Texas Department of Insurance at 1- 800-252-3439 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. 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).