SPRINGFIELD – A new law takes effect Jan 1, 2021 to prevent pharmaceutical and insurance companies from continuing to excessively profit off Illinoisans who manage their diabetes with insulin.

Co-sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), Senate Bill 667 makes Illinois the second state in the nation to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per month for all patients using a state regulated insurance plan, regardless of the supply they require. 

“This law challenges corporate greed and ensures people with diabetes don’t pay unfair prices for a medication they cannot live without,” Holmes said. “I am ready to work with my colleagues in the upcoming legislative session to continue to reform prescription drug pricing and reduce patients’ out-of-pocket costs.” 

The cap applies to commercial insurance plans regulated by the state and increases annually based on data from the Department of Insurance, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The data will include findings on insulin pricing practices and recommendations to control and prevent overpricing of prescription insulin drugs.

Holmes worked alongside bill sponsor State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), and other advocacy groups to build a grassroots advocacy campaign to drive this historic legislation through the General Assembly.