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Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Susan Collins, Reverend Raphael Warnock, and John Kennedy introduced the Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Live saving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act, which would make insulin more affordable for the people who rely on it every day. The Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) and Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) endorse the INSULIN Act and thank the Senators for their efforts to improve access to this lifesaving medication.
Over 40 million people in the United States – or 12% of the U.S. population – have diabetes. A person with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin for life, and many people with Type 2 diabetes also require insulin to manage their blood sugars and prevent complications. While Congress previously capped insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, this did not apply to the rest of the diabetes population. Research shows that cost concerns and access barriers have continued to lead to patients rationing insulin.
“The Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) and Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) applaud and thank Senators Shaheen, Collins, Warnock, and Kennedy for introducing the INSULIN Act of 2026,” said CEO George Huntley. “This legislation will greatly improve access to affordable insulin for people living with diabetes. It is time that the $35 cap on monthly out-of-pocket costs for insulin applies to all patients with diabetes – not just Medicare beneficiaries.”
In addition to expanding the insulin out-of-pocket caps to the private insurance market, the INSULIN Act will require pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pass through 100% of insulin rebates and discounts to insurance plan sponsors. It will also create a pilot program to provide 10 states with funds to create programs that provide insulin to uninsured individuals.
