Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has called for the passage of the Affordable Insulin Now Act in order to make insulin more affordable for Americans with diabetes. Speaking on the Senate floor, Kennedy emphasized the need to address the high cost of insulin, which is preventing many individuals from accessing the life-saving medication.

Kennedy's remarks were based on findings from a bipartisan report he co-authored with Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), titled "Insulin Deserts: The Urgency of Lowering the Cost of Insulin for Everyone." The report revealed that there are 813 counties in the United States considered "insulin deserts," where a significant portion of the population lacks health insurance and has diabetes.

"In my state, 44% of my people are affected by diabetes directly," Kennedy stated. "Diabetics account for $1 of every $4 spent on healthcare in the United States of America. Think about that."

The senator highlighted the financial burden placed on individuals with diabetes, stating that the average cost of hospitalization for diabetic patients ranges from $8,400 to $23,000 per year. Furthermore, diabetes costs the country a staggering $327 billion annually in medical expenses, lost work, wages, and productivity.

Kennedy stressed the urgency of making insulin more affordable, stating, "We know the problem, and we know the costs, and we have a solution: insulin."

The senator acknowledged the need for pharmaceutical companies to make a profit but argued against the exorbitant prices of insulin. He emphasized the moral and financial implications of individuals not being able to afford their medication.

"It is bone-deep-down-to-the-marrow stupid for us to allow someone, whose diabetes can be managed by taking insulin, not to take that insulin because they can't afford it," Kennedy declared. "That's immoral, and that makes no sense in terms of dollars and cents costs to the rest of the American people."

Kennedy and Warnock's Affordable Insulin Now Act aims to address this issue by capping the out-of-pocket costs for uninsured individuals with diabetes at $35 per 30-day supply of insulin. The bill also requires private insurance plans to cover various forms and types of insulin for no more than $35 per month.

"It's the right thing to do. It's the smart thing to do, and [our] bill is paid for. We're not suggesting we go out and borrow more money," Kennedy stated.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023 includes provisions to ensure that uninsured patients can access affordable insulin. It would establish a program to reimburse qualifying entities for covering any costs that exceed $35 for providing a 30-day supply of insulin to uninsured patients. Importantly, the bill is fully paid for through an offset, meaning it will not contribute to the deficit.

The urgent need for affordable insulin cannot be overstated, as millions of Americans struggle to afford this life-saving medication. Sen. Kennedy's call for the passage of the Affordable Insulin Now Act highlights the importance of addressing this crisis and ensuring that individuals with diabetes can access the medication they need to manage their condition effectively.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=3EC9C615-C79C-4DB3-A8FC-8FBAD396DBA8