Trone Votes to Lower Cost of Insulin for Maryland Families

Statement

Today, Congressman David Trone (MD-06) voted for landmark legislation to deliver lower insulin costs for Maryland families. By capping out-of-pocket expenses, the Affordable Insulin Now Act will ensure that Americans pay no more than $35 for a monthly supply of insulin.

"Today, the House took a step forward in the fight to lower health care costs for hardworking Americans," said Rep. Trone. "I proudly cast my vote for the Affordable Insulin Now Act to take control of the outrageous insulin prices threatening Marylanders' health and financial security. In this country, no one should ever have to choose between paying their medical bills and keeping the lights on."

The cost of insulin has created an affordability crisis for the nearly 10% of Marylanders living with diabetes, with costs surging over 50% from 2014 to 2019. Americans currently pay an average price of $98.70 for a unit of insulin -- ten times higher than in other wealthy nations. Facing these overwhelming expenses, one in four Americans who rely on insulin has been forced to ration doses due to high prices.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act will require private health insurance plans to cover insulin, limiting monthly cost-sharing to $35 or 25% 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.

Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Appropriations, Veterans' Affairs, and Joint Economic Committees. In Congress, Trone is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders, including the mental health and addiction crises, criminal justice reform, and funding for medical research.

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