Virginia lawmakers pass one of the lowest insulin price cap in nation at $50 a month

Virginia lawmakers have passed a bill that will force insurers to cap insulin costs at $50 a month, sending the bill to Gov. Ralph Northam’s (D) desk for signature.

The Virginia General Assembly passed the bill, which will create one of the lowest insulin caps in the nation, 88-4 after it was sent back with amendments from the state Senate. 

One of the biggest things we did this session that NO ONE is talking about https://t.co/wmkHTtEVcT

— Delegate Mike Mullin (@mikemullin4VA) March 6, 2020

The Virginia Mercury was the first to report the bill’s passage. According to the outlet, the bill was supported by the Medical Society of Virginia and the American Association of Retired Persons.

Colorado and Illinois are currently the only states with an insulin cap. Under both Colorado and Illinois law, insulin costs are capped at $100 per month. Washington has also advanced legislation to cap insulin costs in the state at $100 per month, but it has not yet been sent to Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) desk. 

New Mexico passed the lowest insulin cap in the nation on Wednesday, at just $25.

The Hill has reached out to Northam’s office for comment.

The bill was proposed by Democratic Rep. Lee Carter, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist who is the state co-chairman of Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-Vt.) presidential campaign. He initially proposed the cap be $30 but lawmakers ultimately agreed on $50.

“It’s almost impossible to overstate how big of a deal this is. It’s *HUGE*,” Carter tweeted.

My HB66, which will cap co-pays for insulin products at $50 for a one month supply, has passed both chambers and it’s on its way to the governor.

It’s almost impossible to overstate how big of a deal this is. It’s *HUGE*.

— Lee Carter (@carterforva) March 6, 2020

The cost of insulin in the U.S. has been increasing in recent years, doubling since 2012. People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes require the costly drug to control blood sugar levels.

There have been a number of reports of people traveling outside of the U.S. for insulin and other drugs due to high prices with or without insurance. 

Updated March 9 12:40 p.m.