Delaware caps monthly diabetes equipment, supply cost at $35
Saying he hoped to increase access and reduce overall diabetes costs, Delaware Gov. John Carney signed Senate Bill 316, which caps the monthly costs of diabetes equipment and supplies at $35.
“Attention has appropriately been focused on the cost of insulin, but these equipment and supply needs can also present a serious affordability challenge for people living with diabetes,” Stephen Habbe, vice president of state government affairs for the American Diabetes Association, said in an ADA press release.
Under the new law, blood glucose meters and testing strips, urine testing strips, syringes, continuous glucose monitors and related supplies, and insulin pump supplies are included. The law caps the monthly cost of these items at $35 per enrolled individual regardless of the amount or type of equipment or supplies needed. The price cap includes deductibles and cost-sharing amounts charged following the deductible. However, the cap does not apply to deductibles charged by high deductible health plans, or catastrophic health plans.
Healio previously reported that one study found 1.3 million adults with diabetes in the U.S. said they rationed insulin doses in 2021 due to high and increasing prices.
“With more than one in 10 Delawareans living with diagnosed diabetes, the ADA applauds this positive step to improve affordability and health. Thanks to Governor Carney, the legislature, and lead sponsors Senator Marie Pinkney and Representative David Bentz for their work on passing this law and creating a positive impact on those living with diabetes,” Habbe said.
The law will apply to state-regulated health insurance plans, which will take effect in 2024, as well as state employee plans, which will take effect in 2023.
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