News From the USA

Ohio State Senator Campaigns to Cap Insulin Prices

The continuing issue of high insulin prices in the USA is being raised and tacked by politicians at State and Federal level.

In Lakewood, Ohio, the State Senator for the area, Nickie Antonio, has successfully seen parts of her proposal to combat diabetes pass through the Senate Health, Human Service & Medicaid Committee. The legislation would establish Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Day and encourage Asian Americans to be screened for type 2 diabetes.

She is quoted locally as saying: “I am very appreciative of those who came in to testify and share their stories of loss and near loss of loved ones due to complications of DKA,” said Antonio. “We all know someone living with diabetes, but continued awareness can and will save lives.”

Her proposal is titled “the Insulin Affordability Act”, and was co-sponsored by Nickie Antonio and fellow State Senator Hearcel Craig, from Columbus, Ohia.

Two parts of the proposed package have yet to pass through committee hearings. These parts of the bill would allow the Ohio Attorney General to investigate the price of insulin and would cap the price of insulin at $100 for a 30-day dosage. Neither proposal has received a hearing yet.

Advocacy Action: Are insulin costs rising where you are? Have price caps been tried regionally or nationally? Have they worked? Have you tried a different approach, perhaps in partnership with your national diabetes group or if established in your country, JDRF?