Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 646/House Bill 970 to prohibit state-regulated plans from imposing step therapy, or fail-first protocol, for insulin used to treat type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes.
Many patients with diabetes rely on insulin to manage their condition and prevent life-threatening complications. However, some insurance companies enforce "step therapy" or "fail-first" protocols requiring patients to try one or more less expensive or insurer-preferred insulin options before accessing the prescribed insulin their clinician considers most appropriate. Maryland is now the first state in the country to ensure that state-regulated health plan beneficiaries will receive the optimal insulin therapy for them.
“Maryland continues to support people living with diabetes, following the passage of an insulin copay cap law that went into effect in 2023. And now this new insulin law provides people immediate access to the most appropriate insulin for them—reducing the likelihood of preventable complications and emergency room visits or hospital admissions,” said Monica Billger, director of state government affairs for the American Diabetes Association® (ADA). “With more than 1 in 10 Marylanders living with diagnosed diabetes, the ADA applauds this positive step to improve access to the right health care at the right time. Thanks to Governor Moore, the legislature, and lead sponsors Senator C. Anthony Muse and Delegate Jamila Woods for their work on passing this law and creating a positive impact on Marylanders living with diabetes.”
The ADA continues to be a leader in federal and state efforts to ensure that diabetes care is affordable and accessible. To assist in these efforts, reach out to your elected officials to show support for bills that will help make the cost of living with diabetes less of a burden. Visit the ADA’s Advocacy Page for more information on ways to make your voice heard.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure —and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
