Gov. Beshear Signs Bill Making Insulin Much More Affordable

House Bill 95 caps the cost of insulin per 30-day supply.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has signed a bill into law that protects the health and lives of Kentuckians with diabetes.

House Bill 95 caps the cost of insulin at $30 per 30-day supply for those with state-regulated health care plans or plans purchased on the marketplace exchange, state employees and people under group plans.

“Health care is a human right,” said Gov. Beshear. “Capping the cost of insulin was the right thing to do to support every Kentuckian who has had to risk their own life or be afraid of permanently damaging their health just because they could not afford insulin. Today, they no longer have to live in fear – now this lifesaving medicine is affordable.”

The price of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013, even though the cost of production stayed relatively stable.

More than half a million Kentuckians have diabetes, and the state ranks seventh-highest in the country for diabetes prevalence.

In recent years, some Kentuckians have had to pay more than $1,000 a month for their lifesaving supply of insulin.

For historical relevance, the inventors of insulin sold their patent for just $1 back in 1923, specifically so the critical drug would be available and affordable for diabetics everyone.

“My son, Alex, lives with Type 1 diabetes. Standing here today, we can’t prevent other moms from receiving the same news I got in that hospital 14 years ago. But we can make sure that when they receive that diagnosis, they know that they won’t have to choose between bankruptcy and keeping their child alive,” said Rep. Patti Minter (D) of Bowling Green, who co-sponsored the bill. “Thank you to Gov. Beshear, for your commitment to expanding health care as a basic human right.”

For more information, visit www.kentucky.gov.