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Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 473 to address the high treatment costs affecting millions of Californians with diabetes. The bill places a $35 cap on co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing requirements on an insulin prescription. Senator Bates issued the following statement:
“Even as millions of Americans struggle to afford their prescription medications, Congressional Democrats and Republicans have failed to achieve meaningful relief. Here in California, we have an opportunity to lead by example and provide real financial relief for our seniors and working-class families. Over 4 million Californians (13.4%) have diabetes and another 38.4% have pre-diabetes. With an overwhelming operating budget surplus, SB 473 can make D.C.’s missed opportunities become a reality for millions of California residents. Since SB 473 received a 36-0 bi-partisan vote on the Senate floor, I am hopeful we will get this bill to the Governor’s desk and gain his support and signature.”
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes spend 2.3 times more on health care expenses than a person without diabetes. From 2012-2017, the total cost of diagnosed diabetes rose to $327 billion or 26% over the five year period.
