Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2026
May 13, 2026
Introduced: May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
Introduced: May 13, 2026
Summary
Makes insulin more affordable by limiting monthly costs for people with private insurance and creating a program to help uninsured people get insulin for $35.
What problem does this solve?
The high cost of insulin makes it difficult for many people with diabetes to afford this life-saving medicine. This bill caps the monthly cost of insulin for insured people and creates a program to help the uninsured get it at a lower price.
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)
Header:
Requirements with respect to cost-sharing for certain insulin products
Caps monthly insulin costs for private insurance plans
Requires private health plans to limit patient costs for a 30-day supply of selected insulin products to no more than $35 or 25% of the plan's negotiated price, whichever is less.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
Reimbursement for insulin furnished to uninsured individuals
Creates program for discounted insulin for the uninsured
Establishes a program where the government pays providers and pharmacies the difference to ensure uninsured individuals can get insulin for $35 per 30-day supply.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)
Header:
Requirements with respect to cost-sharing for certain insulin products
Eliminates deductibles for selected insulin products
Prohibits private health plans from applying a deductible to selected insulin products, making the cost cap effective immediately for patients.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(c)
Header:
Coverage of certain insulin products under catastrophic plans
Extends insulin coverage to catastrophic health plans
Requires catastrophic health plans to provide coverage for selected insulin products at the capped price before the plan's high annual deductible is met.
Who does this affect?
- Individuals with diabetes
- People with private health insurance
- Uninsured individuals
What is the real world impact?
•
Makes life-saving insulin affordable
Reduces the high out-of-pocket cost of insulin for millions of Americans who rely on it, preventing them from having to ration or skip doses due to expense.
•
Creates a new government spending program
Establishes a new federal program to reimburse pharmacies and providers for offering discounted insulin to the uninsured. The bill acknowledges this new cost and suggests future laws should find a way to pay for it.
•
May increase insurance premiums
By capping what patients pay, the law shifts the cost to insurance companies. These companies might raise monthly premiums for all their members to cover the difference, not just for those who use insulin.
When does this start?
The cost-sharing limits and the program for the uninsured would begin for health plan years starting on or after January 1, 2027.