SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced a new law will require pharmaceutical and insurance companies to cap insulin prices for Illinois residents with diabetes starting Jan. 1, 2021.

“For years, pharmaceutical companies took advantage of the millions of Illinois residents who depend on insulin to live,” Belt (D-Centreville) said. “Because of the passage of Senate Bill 667, Illinois residents who need insulin will no longer be subjected to price gouging and other predatory practices.”

Senate Bill 667 will cap patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply and requires the Departments of Insurance, Human Services, and Healthcare and Family Services to jointly issue an “insulin pricing report” to the public that details findings on insulin pricing practices and recommendations to control and prevent overpricing of prescription insulin drugs.

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 30 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 7.4 million Americans depend on insulin. Around 1.3 million Illinois residents live with diabetes and rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Data has shown that insulin prices tripled between 2002 and 2013, which has led many patients to ration their insulin and sacrifice other daily needs to pay for insulin.

“Over the years, greedy drug companies have lined their pockets at the expense of people with diabetes, who rely on insulin for survival," Crowe said. “By capping the cost of insulin, Illinois is standing firmly with working families to put lives over profits.”

Illinois is the second state in the nation to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per month for all patients using a state-regulated insurance plan.

The measure was signed into law in January 2020 and chief sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill).

MARYVILLE – As the spring legislative session approaches, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging Metro East residents to share their ideas for potential new laws.

“The pandemic has posed countless new challenges to our families and communities over the past year,” Crowe said. “As an elected official, it’s my job to listen to residents to learn more about these challenges and develop smart, comprehensive solutions.”

Ahead of the beginning of the 102nd General Assembly, Crowe is encouraging residents to send in ideas for new bills that could help improve the state of Illinois. Bill ideas can be submitted via email to Crowe’s office using the contact form at http://senatorcrowe.com/contact-us.

“When we work together, we can make our community better,” Crowe said. “If there’s something about Illinois or the Metro East that you think could be improved, I encourage you to contact my office to tell us your ideas.”

Crowe represents the 56^th Senate District along the Illinois-Missouri border, known commonly as the Metro East, including parts of Jersey, Madison and St. Clair counties.

WOOD RIVER – To brighten the holiday season for families in need, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and Wood River City Councilman Mike Anderson are partnering to host a food drive in an effort to replenish the stock at food banks in Wood River.

• Sen. Crowe’s Office, 111 N. Wood River Ave. Ste. A
• Russell’s Corner Café, 84 E. Ferguson Ave.