Bipartisan Bill Aims to Lower Insulin Costs for Americans

The INSULIN Act would cap monthly insulin costs at $35 for those with private insurance and start a pilot program for the uninsured.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bipartisan group of senators has introduced the INSULIN Act, a bill that aims to cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for Americans with private insurance plans. The bill would also start a pilot program to provide more affordable insulin to uninsured Americans in 10 states. This is the latest effort by lawmakers of both parties to rein in the high price of insulin, a vital drug for millions of people with diabetes.

Why it matters

The high cost of insulin has been a significant burden for many Americans with diabetes, with some paying hundreds of dollars each month on top of other diabetes-related expenses. While some progress has been made, such as the 2022 law lowering out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries and state-level insulin co-pay caps, not all patients are covered, including those with self-insured plans and the uninsured. The INSULIN Act aims to provide more widespread relief for insulin costs.

The details

The INSULIN Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, would cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for Americans with private insurance plans. The bill would also start a pilot program to provide more affordable insulin to uninsured Americans in 10 states. This is the latest effort by lawmakers of both parties to address the high price of insulin, a vital drug for millions of people with diabetes. Previous attempts to pass similar legislation have faced challenges, but advocates are hopeful that the bipartisan support for the INSULIN Act will help it succeed.

  • The INSULIN Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate in April 2026.
  • A similar bill passed in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, capping the cost of insulin at $35 per month for older adults on Medicare.

The players

Jeanne Shaheen

A Democratic senator from Maine and one of the sponsors of the INSULIN Act.

Raphael Warnock

A Democratic senator from Georgia and one of the sponsors of the INSULIN Act.

Susan Collins

A Republican senator from Maine and one of the sponsors of the INSULIN Act.

John Kennedy

A Republican senator from Louisiana and one of the sponsors of the INSULIN Act.

Marlee Brandon

The mother of a 2-year-old with Type 1 diabetes who is concerned about the high cost of insulin.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“One day, Bain will be an adult, and he won't be able to be on our insurance anymore. I feel like a lot of people don't realize how much and how expensive it is.”

— Marlee Brandon, Mother of a child with Type 1 diabetes

“No one should struggle to afford their insulin.”

— Oliver Bogillot, Head of General Medicines for North America at Sanofi

“A $35 per month cap would be a 'small step towards everything becoming even more accessible,' in addition to helping me cover items like groceries and gas.”

— Breana Glover, 23-year-old restaurant server in Houston with Type 1 diabetes

What’s next

The INSULIN Act faces several hurdles, including concerns about the cost and other competing congressional priorities. However, with bipartisan support, there is hope that this legislation could succeed where previous attempts have failed.

The takeaway

The high cost of insulin has been a significant burden for many Americans with diabetes, and the INSULIN Act represents the latest bipartisan effort to address this issue. If passed, the bill could provide much-needed relief for millions of people who rely on this vital drug to manage their condition.