Legislative Proposal Would Cap Cost of Insulin in Wisconsin

By: WKOW 7/24/19

MADISON— A group of legislative Democrats say they have introduced a bill capping the price of 30 days worth of insulin to $100.

Reps. Jimmy Anderson (D-Fitchburg), Jill Billings (D-LaCrosse), Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) and Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) announced the proposal Wednesday, the text of which is not yet publicly available.

“Diabetic people need insulin no differently than you and I need food and water,” Anderson said in a news release. “Yet, up to 25% of diabetic people are forced to ration or altogether skip vital doses because they cannot afford their prescribed amount.”

“No one should have to choose between their insulin and paying for their groceries, utilities, or rent,” Shankland said. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues to introduce legislation to cap insulin costs, which is modeled after a Colorado law.”

The Colorado law, KMIZ reports, shifts additional costs beyond the $100 consumer cap onto insurance providers. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill into law this past May.