All area lawmakers back no co-pay insulin measure

KINGSTON, N.Y. >> A bill that would eliminate co-pays on prescription insulin purchases is drawing strong bi-partisan support from state assembly members in the Mid-Hudson region.

The measure has already garnered support from the state Senate, which passed it at the end of January in a 60-to-1 vote.

Senators in the Mid-Hudson Valley region including Michelle Hinchey, D-Saugerties, and Peter Oberacker, R, favored the Senate version.

The Assembly bill is similarly being supported across political aisles.

Republican Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-Schoharie, and Brian Maher, R-Waldon, Jonathon Jacobson, D-City of Newburgh, and Assemblywomen Sarahana Shrestha, D-Esopus, are all co-sponsors of the Assembly version of the bill.

The bill says that it “prohibits cost sharing for insulin; provides that an insured shall not be subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance or any other cost sharing requirement for the purchase of insulin”

The Assembly bill is currently being considered by the Insurance Committee.

“Supporting this bill was a no-brainer,” Tague said. “People shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table or taking necessary medication. We need to keep our people safe and that includes access to life-saving resources.” Tague represents the 102nd Assembly District.

Maher, who represents the 101st Assembly District, said the insulin bill has drawn across-the-board agreement. “There are some issues that cross party lines and should not be political,” Maher said. “I was proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill because it will help ensure life-saving medication is accessible to those who need it.”

Hinchey, who represents the 41s Senate District, said that “No New Yorker should struggle to afford the medicine they need to survive.” “The skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs puts an unacceptable burden on our seniors and anyone living on a fixed income, and this legislation works to drive down these costs while bringing greater price transparency to the industry,” Hinchey added.

Oberacker, who represents the 51st Senate District, said that he supported the bill particularly because it benefits senior citizens. “Helping our senior citizens and individuals on a fixed income afford lifesaving prescriptions like insulin is crucial,” Oberacker said.

Jacobson and Shrestha could not be immediately reached for comment.

Shrestha, however, has previously touted the measure, saying that, “This year we’re about to eliminate copay for insulin, and that’s just the beginning.”

She added that a previous version of the bill “was stuck in the insurance committee while chaired by my predecessor,” referring to former Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. “He was against it,” Shrestha said.