Lafayette Reporter

Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) have jointly released a bipartisan report titled "Insulin Deserts: The Urgency of Lowering the Cost of Insulin for Everyone." The report sheds light on the disparities in access to insulin across the United States and emphasizes the need to make this life-saving medicine more affordable for Americans with diabetes.

The senators introduced the Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023 earlier this year, aiming to set a cap on the price of insulin for all patients, including the uninsured, at $35 for a 30-day supply. Senator Kennedy expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Senator Warnock on issuing this bipartisan report, stating, "By capping prices at $35 for every patient, we can help lower future healthcare costs associated with complications that arise from untreated diabetes."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans spend a staggering $327 billion annually on healthcare expenses and lost wages related to diabetes care. In Louisiana alone, the state spends an estimated $5.7 billion each year on diabetes-related care.

Senator Warnock emphasized the importance of addressing the issue, stating, "This alarming report makes clear who will be left behind if Congress fails to pass my $35 insulin cost cap, including uninsured Georgians who live in the 105 counties considered insulin deserts." He further highlighted the positive impact of the bipartisan legislation with Senator Kennedy, which would ensure that uninsured individuals, particularly those in insulin deserts, can afford their insulin by capping the cost at $35 per month.

The report compiled by Kennedy and Warnock reveals that there are 813 counties in America classified as "insulin deserts." These are areas where 16% or more of the population is uninsured, and 10% or more of the population has diabetes.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023 proposes several key measures to address the issue, including the requirement for private group or individual plans to cover different forms and types of insulin at a maximum cost of $35 per month. Additionally, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would establish a program to reimburse qualifying entities for any costs exceeding $35 when providing a 30-day supply of insulin to uninsured patients. Importantly, the Act would be fully financed through an offset, ensuring it does not add to the deficit.

Senator Kennedy has been actively working on addressing the rising costs of insulin. In addition to the Affordable Insulin Now Act, he introduced an amendment to President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act last year to cap insulin costs. Furthermore, Kennedy introduced the Seniors Saving on Insulin Act, the Vital Medication Affordability Act, and the Ending Pricey Insulin Act in 2021 to tackle the skyrocketing prices of insulin and epinephrine.

Kennedy's efforts to address this issue have extended beyond legislative action. He has penned op-eds in publications such as the Washington Examiner and the Ouachita Citizen, highlighting the importance of capping the price of insulin and proposing legislative solutions to lower insulin costs for families in Louisiana.

The bipartisan report issued by Senators Kennedy and Warnock underscores the urgent need for action to make insulin more affordable for all Americans. The Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023, with its proposed measures to cap prices and ensure coverage for uninsured patients, offers a promising solution to address the insulin disparities across the country.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=AEB69114-791F-4178-AADE-EDF81BFD02F8