HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5729
As Passed House:
March 22, 2023
Title: An act relating to removing the expiration date on the cost-sharing cap for insulin.
Brief Description: Removing the expiration date on the cost-sharing cap for insulin.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Cleveland, Hasegawa, Hunt, Kuderer, Nguyen, Shewmake, Stanford, Valdez and Wilson, C.).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 3/14/23, 3/17/23 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/22/23, 95-2.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Removes the expiration date on the $35 cost-sharing cap for insulin.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 15 members:Representatives Riccelli, Chair; Bateman, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hutchins, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barnard, Bronoske, Davis, Graham, Harris, Macri, Mosbrucker, Orwall, Stonier, Thai and Tharinger.
Staff: Ingrid Lewis (786-7293).
Background:

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.  Many individuals with diabetes require insulin therapy to regulate blood sugar.  The different types of insulin therapies range from rapid- to long-acting and come in various delivery methods:  syringe or pen, pump, and inhaler.

 

In 2020 the Legislature directed health plans, beginning January 1, 2021, to limit an enrollee's out-of-pocket expenses for insulin to an amount not to exceed $100 for a 30-day supply until January 1, 2023.  In 2022 the Legislature amended the statute to further limit an enrollee's out-of-pocket expenses for insulin to an amount not to exceed $35 for a 30-day supply until January 1, 2024.  Prescription insulin drugs must be covered without being subject to a deductible, and any out-of-pocket costs paid by an enrollee must be applied toward the enrollee's deductible obligation.
Summary of Bill:

The expiration date limiting out-of-pocket expenses to $35 for a 30-day supply of insulin is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is important to thousands of Washingtonians.  Insulin is a life-saving and necessary medication for individuals with diabetes.  A pharmaceutical company has voluntarily reduced the price to $35, but there will always be the threat of recessions, mergers, and acquisitions.  The voluntary cap is not guaranteed.  The protections set in this bill provide consistency and standardization.  Families will not have to go into debt and individuals will not have to ration insulin or skip meals.

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Karen Keiser, prime sponsor; Carissa Kemp, American Diabetes Association; Michael Moran; and Matthew Hepner, City of East Wenatchee.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.