The American Diabetes Association® applauds the West Virginia governor and legislature for passing HB 4543
Recently, House Bill 4543 (HB 4543) was signed into law by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. This legislation, which was supported by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), will limit cost sharing to $100 per 30-day supply of insulin for those with state-regulated commercial insurance. The new law also provides coverage for diabetes self-management education (DSME) and provides a new coverage mandate for blood glucose monitors, monitor supplies, insulin, injection aids, syringes, insulin infusion devices, pharmacological agents for controlling blood sugar and orthotics.
LaShawn McIver, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Advocacy for the ADA, issued the following statement:
“With 15% of the adult population in West Virginia living with diagnosed diabetes, and another 14,000 West Virginians diagnosed every year, it is critical that elected officials address the needs of their citizens with diabetes. One of the most urgent issues faced by those living with diabetes today is the cost of insulin, which nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013. The American Diabetes Association thanks Governor Jim Justice and bill sponsors Delegate Jordan Hill and Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer for passing House Bill 4543 into law, and for their continued efforts to help address the skyrocketing cost of insulin and help the 260,000 West Virginians who live with diabetes thrive.”
For more information about this legislation, please contact Delegate Hill at jordan.hill@wvhouse.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 West Virginians with diabetes during the current coronavirus pandemic, the ADA has urged Governor Justice to eliminate all cost-sharing for insulin in state-regulated health insurance plans and revert to the $100 copay cap when the crisis passes. The ADA also urged Governor Justice 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.
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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 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).
