Gov. Stitt Signs Bill Capping Copay Of Insulin For Oklahomans

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill to help Oklahomans with diabetes better afford insulin.

Stitt signed House Bill 1019 into law on Tuesday.

HB 1019 will cap the cost of insulin for a 30-day supply to $30 and for a 90-day supply to $90.

It will also give the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner authority to enforce the price cap.

“Diabetes affects more than 450,000 Oklahomans, and nearly half of those have Type 1 diabetes and are dependent on insulin,” state Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer, said in a news release. “For many diabetics, having access to affordable insulin can literally mean the difference between life and death, avoiding amputations, blindness or other serious medical problems. Ever-increasing prices, however, are forcing many to ration or skip their insulin to pay for groceries and utilities, which is very dangerous. This bill is a step in the right direction in making insulin more affordable and helping improve the quality of life for Oklahoma’s diabetics.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 450,000 Oklahoma adults suffer from diabetes. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the state.

HB 1019 goes into effect Nov. 1, 2021.