Illinois State Rep. Andrade-Backed Measure to Cap Insulin Prices Passes House

CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 19 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Illinois State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago:

A measure to help fight the rising cost of insulin sponsored by state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, is headed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk after the Illinois House of Representatives recently voted to pass the legislation.

"Insulin isn't something that can be replaced or substituted, yet drug companies have been gouging diabetic patients because they know there is no alternative," said Andrade. "We needed to take decisive action on this issue. Insurance companies shouldn't be allowed to charge exorbitant prices for life-saving medicine just because people will pay."

The measure, Senate Bill 667, places a hard co-pay cap of $100 on what insurance companies can charge for a 30-day supply of insulin, regardless of what type or how much a person needs. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support and will now head to the governor's desk for approval. Andrade is hoping that once the bill is law, it will improve the lives of people across the state.

"People with diabetes have lives of their own, and the inflated cost of insulin is a major strain on their financial stability," said Andrade. "Our community is a better place when people can plan for their futures without worrying about the price of the lifesaving medication skyrocketing."