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Insulin Copay Bill Advances In What Could Be US Senate Democrats Last Gasp For Price Reform

 
• By Cathy Kelly

Though popular, the proposal to cap insulin copays is a relatively minor part of the drug pricing reform package included in the stalled Build Back Better Act. But it may represent Democrats’ best chance of passing any drug pricing-related legislation while they still hold majorities in Congress.

Bill Could Be A Popular Win For Democrats Heading Into The Elections • Source: Alamy

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is planning to bring legislation to the floor for a vote in March that would cap insulin copays at $35 in Medicare Part D and private insurance plans. The move could represent a final attempt to pass some form of popular drug pricing legislation before Democrats face the possibility of losing their dual-chamber, albeit slim, majority in November.

The insulin bill has been carved out of the much broader drug pricing provisions in the stalled Build Back Better Act and positioned as a stand-alone bill in a move that may reflect the recognition that the BBB Act is beyond repair. Progress on the broader legislation has stalled mainly because of objections to various aspects of the bill from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va

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