Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) cosponsored a partisan bill that, if approved, would cap insulin costs at $35 a month.
The Affordable Insulin Now Act would relieve some of the financial burdens on Hawaii residents with diabetes, according to Hawaii Public Radio. These people have to pay not only a high cost of living but also high costs for a life-saving prescription. Hirono said the average monthly insulin cost is $500 for locals who have a diabetic family member and are paying out of pocket.
Diabetes is known to be widespread in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Hawaii Health Matters reported that approximately 14% of the overall population in both communities suffers from the disease, according to Hawaii Public Radio.
"Over 10% of adults in Hawaii have diabetes — and the numbers are even higher for Native Hawaiians," Hirono posted on Facebook in late April. "As pharma companies rake in record profits, more and more families can't afford life-saving insulin. That's not right. We must cap insulin costs at $35 a month."
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced House Resolution 6833. The legislation is cosponsored by 31 Democratic members of Congress, including Hirono.
The bill states that selected insulin products will be covered, meaning "at least one of each dosage form (such as [a] vial, pump or inhaler dosage forms) of each different type (such as rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, ultra long-acting, and premixed) of insulin, when available, as selected by the group health plan or health insurance issuer."
The legislation was advanced by the House on March 31. A Senate vote on the bill is forthcoming.