[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 59 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H4130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ACCESS TO LIFESAVING MEDICATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I rise to applaud my 
colleagues for passing the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which will lower 
costs for hardworking families by capping the out-of-pocket costs for 
insulin at $35 per month. This legislation is about putting the health 
of our citizens before profit.
  Rising by 54 percent from 2014 to 2019, the cost of insulin has 
created an affordability crisis for the 9.8 percent of Floridians 
living with diabetes, which is roughly 2.8 million residents.
  Nobody should be forced to choose between paying for rent and 
protecting their health. More than half of Americans have less than 3 
months' worth of expenses covered in an emergency fund. That total 
includes one in four Americans who indicate having no emergency fund at 
all, up from 21 percent in 2020, let alone to have the ability to pay 
more than $300 for a single vial for those without adequate insurance.
  While the Affordable Care Act has ensured access to healthcare for 
Americans, the cost of healthcare remains far too high.

  This legislation will ensure that Floridians with diabetes pay no 
more than $35 for their lifesaving insulin each month. My constituents 
in Florida's 20th Congressional District feel the effects of rising 
out-of-pocket costs for their insulin. This bill provides them with 
appropriate relief at a time when families are struggling to make ends 
meet.
  Americans currently face an average price of $98.70 for a unit of 
insulin; 10 times higher than in other wealthy nations. One in four 
Americans who rely on insulin have been forced to ration doses due to 
high prices, a last resort with potentially fatal consequences.
  Uninsured people in the United States are disproportionately from 
Black, indigenous, and other communities of color. For those who do not 
qualify for Medicaid, high insulin prices can be devastating, forcing 
them to make impossible choices between covering different basic needs.
  Unfortunately, throughout the United States, diabetes prevalence has 
increased over the past two decades, disproportionately affecting low-
income populations. Even with health insurance, particularly high-
deductible health plans, people can face exorbitant copays and fees 
that make their medicine unaffordable.
  Once the Senate votes in favor of this bill, beginning in 2023, 
private health plans shall cover at least one of each type of dosage 
form of insulin and cap cost-sharing for a 30-day supply at the lesser 
of $35 or 25 percent of a plan's negotiated price.
  Among individuals with private insurance, half would save at least 
$19 per month, and a quarter would save at least $42 per month. 
Individuals who buy their own insurance will experience the most 
savings.
  This legislation comes as House Democrats continue working to advance 
comprehensive reform addressing the high cost of prescription drugs. I 
am committed to ensuring that we continue to protect the health of all 
Americans.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass 
this critical bill.

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