Congressman Veasey (TX-33) Votes to Lower Cost of Insulin for Texas Families

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Veasey (TX-33) voted for landmark legislation to deliver lower insulin costs for Texas families. By capping out-of-pocket expenses, the Affordable Insulin Now Act will ensure that Texans pay no more than $35 for a monthly supply of insulin.

"Nobody should be forced to choose between paying for rent and protecting their health," said Congressman Veasey (TX-33) "Today, the House took a key step forward in the fight to lower health care costs for Texas families by passing the Affordable Insulin Now Act. I proudly cast my vote for this legislation that will get control of outrageous insulin prices by ensuring that Texans with diabetes pay no more than $35 for their lifesaving insulin each month."

Rising by 54 percent from 2014 to 2019, the cost of insulin has created an affordability crisis for the 10.9% of Texans living with diabetes. Americans currently face an average price of $98.70 for a unit of insulin — ten 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.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act will require private health insurance plans to cover insulin, limiting monthly cost-sharing to $35 or 25 percent of a plan's negotiated price – whichever is lower. It also requires Medicare prescription drug plans to limit cost-sharing for insulin to $35 per month. This legislation comes as House Democrats continue working to advance comprehensive reform, addressing the high cost of prescription drugs.

You can watch Congressman Veasey's video on the Affordable Insulin Now Act here.