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 9:18am

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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 address the high cost of insulin, which can be a significant financial burden for those with diabetes.

Why it matters

Insulin is a life-saving drug for the millions of Americans who rely on it to manage their diabetes. However, the high cost of insulin has made it unaffordable for many, forcing some to ration their doses or seek alternative solutions. The INSULIN Act is an attempt to make this critical medication more accessible and affordable for those who need it.

The details

The INSULIN Act would cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for Americans with private insurance plans. It would also start a pilot program to provide more affordable insulin to uninsured Americans in 10 states. This legislation is the latest in a long effort by lawmakers of both parties to address the high cost of insulin, which can be a significant financial burden for those with diabetes. While similar bills have been introduced in the past, this latest effort has bipartisan support, which could increase its chances of success.

  • The INSULIN Act was introduced in the Senate last week.
  • A similar bill passed in 2022 as part of the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, capping the cost of insulin at $35 per month for older adults on Medicare.

The players

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Raphael Warnock, Susan Collins, and John Kennedy

The bipartisan group of senators who introduced the INSULIN Act.

Marlee Brandon

The mother of 2-year-old Bain Brandon, who has Type 1 diabetes and needs insulin to live. Marlee worries about the future cost of insulin for her son as he becomes an adult.

Dr. Leslie Eiland

An adult endocrinologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center who is advocating for the INSULIN Act with the Endocrine Society.

Manny Hernandez

The CEO of The Diabetes Link, a national nonprofit for young adults with diabetes, who is encouraged by recent meetings with Republican members of Congress but worries other priorities will overshadow the bill.

Breana Glover

A 23-year-old restaurant server in Houston who moved to Texas from California to find cheaper living expenses to cover the high health costs associated with her Type 1 diabetes.

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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 2-year-old with Type 1 diabetes

“It puts the onus on the patient, I think, to try to navigate and get the cost down.”

— Dr. Leslie Eiland, Adult endocrinologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center

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

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

“There's many distractions and there's many important things going on, but I don't lose hope.”

— Manny Hernandez, CEO of The Diabetes Link

What’s next

The INSULIN Act faces many hurdles, including concerns about the cost and other competing congressional priorities. However, with bipartisan support, it creates an opportunity for a rare bipartisan victory on health affordability in a year when rising health care costs are a concern for voters of both parties.

The takeaway

The high cost of insulin has been a significant burden for millions of Americans with diabetes, forcing some to ration their doses or seek alternative solutions. The INSULIN Act is a bipartisan effort to make this life-saving medication more accessible and affordable, which could have a profound impact on the lives of those who rely on it to manage their condition.