The American Diabetes Association^® applauds the Maine governor and legislature for passing LD 2096

Governor Janet Mills of Maine recently signed into law Legislative Document 2096 (LD 2096), which will limit cost sharing to $35 per 30-day supply of insulin for those with state-regulated commercial insurance. The new law also includes an emergency refill provision that will allow people without an up-to-date prescription to get insulin. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is encouraged that the Maine governor and legislature have put the more than 1 in 10 Maine adults living with diabetes at the forefront in this difficult time.

LaShawn McIver, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Advocacy for the ADA, issued the following statement:

“Insulin affordability is a critical issue facing the seven million Americans with diabetes who rely on it to live, with the price of insulin nearly tripling between 2002 and 2013. The American Diabetes Association is grateful that Governor Janet Mills recently signed Legislative Document 2096 into law to help address the skyrocketing cost of insulin in Maine. This new law will help people with diabetes who need insulin to live and to avoid the devastating complications associated with diabetes. In addition to Governor Mills, the ADA is also grateful to the bill’s sponsor, House Speaker Sara Gideon, as well as Senate President Troy Jackson and the members of the Maine State Legislature for passing this important law.” 

For more information about this legislation, please contact the Governor’s office at maine.gov/governor/mills/contact.

While this co-pay cap is a step forward in the fight for affordable insulin, the ADA recognizes that people with diabetes need relief now more than ever. To address the immediate needs of Mainers with diabetes during the current coronavirus pandemic, the ADA has urged  Governor Mills to eliminate all cost-sharing for insulin in state-regulated health insurance plans and revert to the $35 copay cap when the crisis passes. The ADA also urged Governor Mills to ensure continuous access to health care for residents with diabetes who have lost their jobs due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

The ADA continues to be the driving force in federal and state efforts to ensure that insulin is affordable and accessible for all people who need it. Take action today at diabetes.org/advocacy/platform.

If you are struggling to pay for insulin or know someone who is, the ADA has resources to help—visit InsulinHelp.org.

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