New Law To Cap Insulin Prices Does Not Effect Most People

A new law to cap the cost of insulin in Oklahoma to $30 for a 30-day supply is now in effect.

The law may be helpful for some Oklahomans, but most people with diabetes won’t be able to take advantage of it.

Right now, insulin can cost people hundreds of dollars a month, and experts said some Oklahomans are choosing to pay their rent or take insulin to stay alive, so this law is a start.

"It's great Oklahoma will be one of the states with a cap on it," said Katie Whalen.

Katie Whalen was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 12.

She said it’s a difficult disease to live with and the cost of insulin can be outrageous. In college she was told it would cost $800 for a month's supply.

"At one point, I had to ration insulin. I didn't have enough money to pay a month's supply," she said.

The new law went into effect Monday which caps insulin costs to $30 for a 30-day supply of insulin or $90 for a 90 day supply.

But there’s a catch.

“House bill 1019 only affects either state employees or individuals who purchase insurance through an exchange," said Kim Koleber.

That’s less than 30 percent of Oklahomans with diabetes.

Kim Koleber is the advocacy chair for the Oklahoma legislative diabetes caucus.

She said this is because federal law will override the state law for those who don't get their insurance through the state government.

“Our Medicaid population, all our veterans, those on Medicare, or anyone who works for an employer and receives insurance, this will not cover that," she said.

Koleber has a daughter with Type 1 diabetes.

She said the law is a great start, but big changes are needed on a federal level to bring affordable insulin to everyone.

“Insulin is like air for you and I," she said. "Without it, a person will not live.”

Koleber said Oklahoma has seen the highest increase of diabetes and it's gotten worse during the pandemic.

For people in need of immediate financial help, CLICK HERE.