Shackleford attempts to lower the price of insulin for Hoosiers

For the second time this session, this amendment was blocked from debate by House Republicans

INDIANAPOLIS - State Representative Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) today re-introduced her proposal to cap the cost of insulin at $100. The amendment was a second attempt to reduce health care costs in Indiana after Republicans defeated the measure earlier this session by blocking debate on the House floor.

Her amendment to Senate Bill 225 would have mandated that insurance providers cap the price an individual with insurance has to pay for a 30-day supply of insulin to $100, regardless of the type or amount prescribed. Similar legislation has been enacted in both Colorado and Illinois as a way to combat the cost of this life-saving medication that has tripled in cost over the last 10 years in our state.

“Everyone is deserving of accessible, affordable health care,” Shackleford said. “A $100 insulin cap is for the Hoosiers who are having to make the unconscionable financial choice between taking life-saving medication and affording other necessities.

“Last session, I authored legislation that created a study committee to address the rising price of prescription drugs,” continued Shackleford. “Members from both sides of the aisle were present during this meeting and yet, it seems to be only the House Democrats who are using what we learned to make a difference.

“It is time for this legislative body to put the people they represent before relationships with big pharma and stop saying health care is a concern, and start legislating like it is.” 

Shackleford’s amendment was blocked from debate, making this the second time House Republicans refused to address this issue on the House floor.

According to AARP Indiana, prescription drug prices have increased 58 percent from 2012 to 2017. In 2009, the average price of a 30-day supply of insulin was $93 and in 2019 the average cost of a 30-day supply of insulin was $275.