The bipartisan INSULIN Act of 2026 would cap monthly insulin costs at $35 for people with private insurance and create a pilot program for the uninsured to receive similar benefits.
The bill was introduced by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Susan Collins, Raphael Warnock and John Kennedy.
For the 40 million Americans living with diabetes, the bill could ease a significant financial burden, especially for the 1 million who ration insulin because of its cost.
A new ADA survey found nearly 40% of insulin users pay more than $150 a month, underscoring the demand for lower insulin costs.
Previous legislation focused on lowering insulin costs for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, while this bill would expand those efforts to people with private insurance.
“This particular bill they’re trying to get passed is going to make it mandatory that these third-party insurance carriers provide affordable options for these patients,” said Dr. Otis Kirksey, an ADA board member.
The bill now heads to the Senate HELP Committee. A similar bill is under consideration in the House.
