Press release

Virginia Caps Insulin Co-Pays at $50 for Virginians with Diabetes

Arlington, Virginia

The American Diabetes Association® applauds the Virginia governor and legislature for passing HB 66

Recently, House Bill 66 (HB 66) was signed into law by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. This legislation, which was supported by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), will limit cost sharing to $50 per 30-day supply of insulin for those with state-regulated commercial insurance. LaShawn McIver, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Advocacy for the ADA, issued the following statement:

“Insulin has tripled in price between 2002 and 2013, forcing far too many Americans to make hard choices when it comes to the medication they need to live. With one in ten Virginia adults living with diagnosed diabetes, the skyrocketing cost of insulin is something the state cannot ignore. The American Diabetes Association is grateful to Governor Ralph Northam and bill sponsor Delegate Lee Carter for passing House Bill 66 into law, and for their continued efforts to bring relief to those who are confronted with the skyrocketing cost of insulin and help the more than 870,000 Virginians who live with diabetes thrive.”

For more information about this legislation, please contact Delegate Carter at DelLCarter@house.virginia.gov.

While this co-pay cap is a step forward in the fight for affordable insulin, the ADA recognizes that people with diabetes need relief now more than ever. To address the immediate needs of Virginians with diabetes during the current coronavirus pandemic, the ADA has urged Governor Northam to eliminate all cost-sharing for insulin in state-regulated health insurance plans and revert to the $50 copay cap when the crisis passes. The ADA also urged Governor Northam to ensure continuous access to health care for residents with diabetes who have lost their jobs due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

The ADA continues to be the driving force in federal and state efforts to ensure that insulin is affordable and accessible for all people who need it. Take action today at diabetes.org/advocacy/platform.

If you are struggling to pay for insulin or know someone who is, the ADA has resources to help—visit InsulinHelp.org.

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