SPRINGFIELD – A new law that will prevent pharmaceutical and insurance companies from continuing to excessively profit from Illinoisans suffering from diabetes takes effect Jan. 1, 2021.

Senate Bill 667, pushed by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), made Illinois the second state in the nation to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per month for all patients using a state regulated insurance plan, regardless of the supply they require. 

“This new law stands up to corporate greed and ensures diabetics are no longer paying exploitative prices for a medication they cannot live without,” Bennett said. “I am eager to work with my colleagues in the upcoming legislative session to continue the fight to reform prescription drug pricing and reduce patients’ out-of-pocket costs.” 

The cap applies to commercial insurance plans regulated by the state and increases annually based on data from the Department of Insurance, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The data will include findings on insulin pricing practices and recommendations to control and prevent overpricing of prescription insulin drugs.

Bennett worked alongside the lead sponsor of the legislation, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), as well as advocacy groups to build a grassroots advocacy campaign to drive this historic legislation through the General Assembly.