Congresswoman Sheila McCormick Votes to Lower Cost of Insulin for Florida Families

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick voted for landmark legislation to deliver lower insulin costs for Florida families.  By capping out-of-pocket expenses, the Affordable Insulin Now Act will ensure that Floridians pay no more than $35 for a monthly supply of insulin.

“Today, the House took a key step forward in the fight to lower health care costs for Florida families,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick.  “I proudly cast my vote for the Affordable Insulin Now Act to get control of the outrageous insulin prices threatening Floridians’ health and financial security.  This legislation will ensure that Floridians 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 9.8 percent of Floridians 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 has 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.

“Nobody should be forced to choose between paying for rent and protecting their health,” continued Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. “I am committed to bringing down prescription drug prices across the board, and House Democrats are keeping up the fight to enact historic protections for working Floridians.”