PROGRESSIVES URGE INCLUSION OF UNINSURED IN INSULIN PROPOSAL

House progressives are calling on leadership to include people without health insurance in any legislation that limits out-of-pocket costs for insulin.

 

Senate Democrats are pushing to include a $35 cap on out-of-pocket insulin costs as part of a larger reconciliation bill, though it’s still unclear if such a provision would be allowed under the arcane Senate rules for passing the legislation.

 

In a letter to bipartisan House and Senate leaders, members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Tri-Caucus (comprised of the Black, Hispanic and Asian and Pacific American caucuses) said any cost savings should also apply to the uninsured.

 

“Failure to do so will deepen health disparities and increase long-term healthcare costs,” the lawmakers wrote.

 

How would it work? The lawmakers said a universal cap on insulin costs could be accomplished either by using existing Medicaid payment structures to reimburse pharmacies or by establishing a fund in the Department of Health and Human Services that reimburses insurance providers and pharmacies.