Fighting the rising costs of insulin
I have talked to families who have managed these costs by reducing the dosages prescribed by their doctor to conserve their medications.
Thank you, Justin Papp and The Norwalk Hour for the front-page coverage highlighting one of my legislative priorities as vice chair of the Connecticut’s General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee with your article Advocates: COVID a ‘wake-up call’ to the seriousness of diabetes.
The devastating physical, emotional, and financial impact that COVID-19 has had on the people of Connecticut makes it more imperative than ever that the Connecticut General Assembly take positive action on this issue. In February of this year, our Committee Introduced Senate Bill 1, An Act Concerning Diabetes and High Deductible Health Plans. The proposed bill, which has garnered bipartisan support, would help mitigate the high costs borne by diabetic individuals in obtaining insulin by capping the price of insulin at $50 a month and other necessary medication and supplies at $100 per month.
Diabetes is one of the pre-existing conditions that put an individual most at risk of developing COVID-19 following a coronavirus infection. Thusly, this bill is an important step along the path to making healthcare in Connecticut more affordable by starting with those who have been hit the hardest.
When I was door-knocking in 2018 and 2019, I heard over and over that the price of insurance and prescription drugs — including insulin — is devastating to working families. I have talked to families who have managed these costs by reducing the dosages prescribed by their doctor to conserve their medications. In our committee’s public hearings, we heard from many residents across the state who reiterated just how important this bill is. In some cases, this bill would have saved their loved one’s life.
Although there has been a growing consensus about the legitimacy of the rising costs of life-saving diabetic treatments in the past several years, the reality of COVID-19 has reinvigorated and accelerated demand for comprehensive price regulation. As your elected representatives, we are compelled to take action to alleviate the hardships facing those with chronic diseases. As vice chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, I am fighting to ensure this bill will be taken up for a vote during a special summer session.
My colleagues on the committee, including Cochairs state Sen. Matthew Lesser and state Rep. Sean Scanlon and ranking members state Sen. Kevin Kelly and state Rep. Cara Pavalock-D’Amato, are strong proponents of this bill as we all recognize its importance to diverse communities throughout the state in accessing supplies vital to their well-being. The passing of the insulin bill will go a long way in achieving affordable health care as Connecticut battles the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring greater protections to the most vulnerable.
State Rep. Lucy Dathan represents portions of Norwalk and New Canaan in the 142nd District. She is a Democrat and is running for reelection in November.