DPAC and DLC issue joint statement on Tennessee decision to reject legislation that would cap insulin costs
The Tennessee state legislature voted against SB 1683, a bill that would significantly reduce the financial burden on individuals living with diabetes by requiring health insurers to cap insulin prices at $35 for a 30-day supply.
The Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) and the Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) are deeply disappointed by this decision and released the following joint statement urging Tennessee lawmakers to reconsider their stance on healthcare affordability and access:
“By rejecting SB 1683,Tennessee lawmakers have shown a concerning disregard for the more than 760,000Tennesseans living with diabetes. The reality is stark – many are forced to choose between their insulin and basic necessities like food, transportation, and shelter. This shouldn’t be a policy debate. It’s a matter of getting life-saving medication to those who need it most.
Currently, insulin can cost patients as much as $300 or more per month. The Inflation Reduction Act set avital precedent by capping the price of insulin at $35 for Medicare Part D in2022 and Part B in 2023. Following this landmark decision, more than 20 states have taken similar measures to further alleviate the burden of insulin costs on their residents. We commend Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) for his visionary leadership, aiming to provide a lifeline for Tennesseans living with diabetes.
We urge the Tennessean state delegation to look beyond politics and consider the profound impact that their decision will have on the lives of their constituents.”
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About the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition
The Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC), a501(c)4 organization, is a grassroots alliance of thousands of people with diabetes, caregivers, patient advocates, health professionals, disease organizations and companies working collaboratively to promote and support public policy initiatives to improve the health of people with diabetes. Learn more: https://www.diabetespac.org/
About the Diabetes Leadership Council
The Diabetes Leadership Council is a 501(c)(3)patient advocacy organization comprised of individuals with decades of diabetes experience and leadership to advance patients-first policies at the local, state and national levels. We are people with diabetes, parents of children with diabetes, allies and tireless volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of all people impacted by this condition. Our members—all former leaders of national diabetes organizations—engage policymakers, and public and private sector influencers to call attention to the diabetes epidemic and provide a voice for37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn more:https://www.diabetesleadership.org/