Bipartisan Bill Aims to Cap Insulin Costs at $35 for Millions

Sen. Raphael Warnock backs legislation that could lower insulin prices for over 1 million Georgians with diabetes.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:39am

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A bipartisan bill backed by Sen. Raphael Warnock could lower insulin costs for millions of Americans, including over 1 million Georgians living with diabetes. The Life-Saving Insulin Act of 2026 would require private insurance companies to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 and aim to reduce costs for the uninsured. Health care workers who live with Type 1 diabetes say current insulin prices can be staggering, leading many patients to ration or skip doses due to affordability issues.

Why it matters

Insulin is a critical medication for people with diabetes, but its high cost has forced many patients to make difficult choices about their health. This legislation could provide much-needed relief for millions of Americans struggling to afford this essential drug.

The details

The Life-Saving Insulin Act of 2026 would cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 for those with private insurance. It would also aim to reduce costs for uninsured individuals. Health care workers with Type 1 diabetes say they often see patients rationing or skipping insulin doses due to the high list prices, which can reach $800 per prescription. The American Diabetes Association estimates people with diabetes account for $1 of every $4 spent on health care in the U.S.

  • The bill is expected to take effect at the start of 2027 if passed.

The players

Sen. Raphael Warnock

A U.S. Senator from Georgia who is backing the bipartisan bill to cap insulin costs.

Morgan Mayle

A nurse practitioner who lives with Type 1 diabetes and says she often sees patients struggle to afford their insulin prescriptions.

Mandi Roelandt

A paramedic who has Type 1 diabetes and has responded to emergency calls involving people rationing their insulin.

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What they’re saying

“For the standard insulin analogs of Novolog, Humalog, you're looking at upwards of $800 at list pricing.”

— Morgan Mayle, Nurse Practitioner

“I've seen people that are rationing their insulin and they're going into DKA, they're getting kidney problems, they're having other issues. And with all of that, it's not healthy for obvious reasons.”

— Mandi Roelandt, Paramedic

“No one should be forced to put their health or life in danger because they can't afford insulin or don't know where to get it.”

— Sen. Raphael Warnock

What’s next

If passed, the Life-Saving Insulin Act of 2026 is expected to take effect at the start of 2027, potentially impacting over 1 million Georgians living with diabetes.

The takeaway

This bipartisan legislation represents a significant step towards improving access to affordable insulin, a critical medication for millions of Americans with diabetes. By capping out-of-pocket costs, the bill could provide much-needed relief and help ensure no one has to choose between their health and financial stability.