Senate approves Murray bill limiting copays for diabetes supplies, equipment
STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Melissa A. Murray to limit insured patients’ copays for supplies and equipment used to treat diabetes to $25 for a 30-day supply.
Like the 2021 state law – also sponsored by Senator Murray — that capped insulin copays at $40 a month, the legislation would (2023-S 0281) apply to private insurers, health maintenance organizations, nonprofit hospital service or medical service corporations and the state employee health insurance plans that cover such supplies. Under the bill, beginning Jan. 1 (or, for state employees, the next time the health plan contract is purchased or renewed by the state), copays for insulin administration and glucose monitoring supplies shall be capped at $25 for a 30-day supply, or per item when an item is intended to be used for longer than 30 days.
“Monitoring glucose and administering insulin are absolutely necessary for people living
with diabetes. While the skyrocketing cost of insulin in recent years has been an important issue that has captured national attention, that is not the only cost that burdens those with diabetes. Supplies like testing strips, blood sugar meters, and insulin pumps and other items that are crucial for diabetes maintenance can add up and become cost prohibitive for people who desperately need them. It’s not safe for people to ration diabetes supplies simply because they can’t afford
them. Insurance should be encouraging patients to manage their diabetes appropriately and
safely,” said Senator Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield).
The bill, which takes effect Jan. 1, is cosponsored by Sen Bridget Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, South Kingstown), Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence), Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket), Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown), Sen. Roger A. Picard (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland), Sen. Frank S. Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston), Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston), Sen. Robert Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket) and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middleton, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton).
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives, where House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly) is sponsoring a companion bill (2023-H 5281)
