Rep. Aguilar Votes to Make Insulin Affordable for the Inland Empire

WASHINGTON, April 5 -- Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-California, issued the following news release:

Rep. Aguilar today voted to pass the bipartisan Affordable Insulin Now Act (H.R. 6833), legislation that will cap out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 per month in Medicare Part D and private health insurance. This will ensure that the 339,760 living in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties who have diabetes may be able to access quality, affordable, life-saving medication.

"No one should have to make the choice between lifesaving medicine and putting food on the table," Rep. Aguilar said. "One in four Americans have cut back on insulin or skipped doses because of the high cost. With this legislation, residents in my community and millions of Americans across the country living with diabetes will be able to afford critical medication. The US Senate must join us in cutting the cost of insulin and pass this bill without delay."

The Affordable Insulin Now Act ensures affordable access to life-saving medication for more than 37 million Americans who have diabetes, including one-third of Medicare beneficiaries. Beginning in 2023, the bill requires private health plans to cover at least one of each type and dosage form of insulin, while capping cost-sharing for a 30-day supply at either $35 or 25 percent of a plan's negotiated price. The bill also requires all Medicare prescription drug plans to cap cost-sharing for insulin at no more than $35. Among individuals with private insurance, half would save at least $19 per month and a quarter would save at least $42 per month.

H.R. 6833 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 232-193.

Rep. Aguilar serves as the Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus.