Bipartisan INSULIN Act Seeks to Cap Monthly Costs at $35 for Millions

A new bipartisan bill aims to lower insulin costs for millions of Americans. The INSULIN Act would cap monthly expenses at $35 for those with private insurance. Without action, families like that of a Mississippi toddler face steep bills—his parents paid $194 last week for a one-month supply of vials and a three-month backup of pens.

The proposal comes as insulin prices remain unpredictable, with some patients spending hundreds each month on the life-saving drug. The INSULIN Act was introduced by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Susan Collins, R-Maine, and John Kennedy, R-La. Their plan targets private insurance holders, who make up about 57% of Americans with coverage. Many of these individuals rely on self-insured plans, which state-level cost caps do not cover.

Beyond capping costs for insured patients, the bill includes a pilot program. This initiative would offer cheaper insulin to uninsured people in 10 states. The move follows recent efforts by major manufacturers—Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk—to reduce prices voluntarily.

For families like Marlee Brandon's, the financial strain is already real. Her toddler's insulin supply cost nearly $200 last week, and she fears prices will climb as he grows. Over 8.1 million Americans depend on insulin, including more than 2 million with Type 1 diabetes.

More than half of U.S. states have passed their own insulin co-pay caps in recent years. These limits vary, with some setting monthly costs between $25 and $100. However, federal action could extend protections to those left out by state laws. If passed, the INSULIN Act would provide consistent relief for millions struggling with high insulin costs. The pilot program for uninsured patients could also expand access in selected states. For now, families continue to navigate unpredictable pricing, while manufacturers and lawmakers push for broader solutions.