SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5729
As of February 14, 2023
Title: An act relating to extending the expiration date on the cost-sharing cap for insulin.
Brief Description: Extending the expiration date on the cost-sharing cap for insulin.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Cleveland, Hasegawa, Hunt, Kuderer, Nguyen, Shewmake, Stanford, Valdez and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/14/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Extends the expiration date on the $35 out-of-pocket limit for a 30-day supply of insulin to January 1, 2025.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
Background:

In 2020, the Legislature directed health plans, beginning January 1, 2021, to limit an enrollee's out-of-pocket expenses for insulin to $100 for a 30-day supply until January 1, 2023. In 2022, the Legislature amended the statute to reduce the limit on out-of-pocket expenses for a 30-day supply of insulin to $35 until January 1, 2024.
Summary of Bill:

The expiration date limiting out-of-pocket expenses to $35 for a 30-day supply of insulin is extended to January 1, 2025. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 10, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: This is necessary because other alternatives to lower the cost of insulin are still not available. An extension is needed to give more time to work on solutions. The bill should be extended to cover insulin completely for those under 21. This will allow people to continue to afford their insulin.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Karen Keiser, Prime Sponsor; Carissa Kemp, American Diabetes Association; Kathryn Lewandowsky; Matthew Hepner, east wenatchee city council.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.