One piece of major health care legislation passed a major hurdle in the General Assembly yesterday during the first day of the veto session. Senate Bill 667, sponsored by Bunker Hill Democrat State Senator Andy Manar would cap co-payments for insulin at $100 per month for all patients regardless of the supply they require. The cap would only apply to commercial insurance plans regulated by the state. The legislation was approved 15-3-1 by the Senate Insurance Committee. Manar touted the measure after committee vote: “This is the first step in the public debate in the Senate. We are hoping to call the bill for a vote later this week. Ultimately, I think it’s important to note that voices of individuals from around the state spoke up when this bill was filed about what’s happening to them and their families because of the skyrocketing costs of insulin. Their voices were heard today in the Senate committee so, I’m very pleased that they advanced the measure for consideration.”
100th District Republican Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer believes the bill oversimplifies the issue. He said that it doesn’t take into account or correct price gouging by pharmaceutical companies and, in turn, punishes insurance companies instead. Davidsmeyer then feels that the insurance companies will past that cost down the line to justifying raising insurance premiums on everyone in the state.
1.3 million Illinoisans are said to be battling diabetes. According to recent drug cost analysis, the price of insulin costs have tripled since 2002. If passed, the measure would make Illinois the second state in the country to cap insulin payments.