[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 30, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H3311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       STAGGERING COST OF INSULIN

  (Mr. RUSH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the staggering 
cost of insulin.
  A study published last September estimated that manufacturers could 
charge between $7 and $11 for insulin and still make a profit. In 
reality, Madam Speaker, the list price today is $275 a vial.
  This is an unconscionable markup on a critical, lifesaving drug, as 
diabetes is the primary cause of death for 85,000 Americans each and 
every year.
  While insurance covers some of the costs, insulin is, all too often, 
unaffordable for the 17,000 Medicare beneficiaries in my district who 
depend on it to survive. That is because it can cost a senior on 
Medicare living in my hometown over $1,400 a year to pay for their 
diabetes medication.
  To combat this issue, I introduced the Insulin Access for All Act. My 
legislation ensures that Medicare and Medicaid recipients pay nothing 
out of pocket for their insulin.
  I urge my colleagues to join with me in reducing the cost of insulin 
for all Americans.

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