Is there a cap on insulin in Washington state?

Asked by: Leonard Beier Sr.  |  Last update: November 23, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (36 votes)

In Washington, a $35 cap on monthly supplies of insulin is now making the drug more affordable and more accessible to people who need it — and who were paying enormous sums previously.

What is the insulin cap in Washington state?

Washington has established a permanent, $35-per-month cap on the cost of insulin, a drug used to treat diabetes, cementing a temporary measure that was set to expire at the start of 2024. Gov.

Is there an upper limit to insulin?

Patients with severe insulin resistance require greater than 2 units/kg of body weight or 200 units/day of insulin. It is considered an extremely high insulin dose if the patient needs greater than 3 units/kg/day.

What is the medicare cap on insulin?

If you get a 3-month supply of insulin, your costs can't be more than $35 for each month's supply of each covered insulin. This means you'll generally pay no more than $105 for a 3-month supply of covered insulin. Under Part D, the $35 cap applies to everyone who takes insulin.

Did Congress pass the insulin bill?

The bill was first introduced on February 25, 2022, by Representative Angie Craig (D-MN). On March 31, 2022, the bill passed the House of Representatives, 232–193.

Washington state considering insulin price cap bill

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What is the new insulin act?

Beginning July 1, 2023, insulin covered under Medicare Part B including insulin delivered through a traditional pump that is covered under the durable medical equipment benefit will also be capped at $35 per month.

What is the emergency insulin bill?

S. 2004–Emergency Access to Insulin Act of 2019 specifies that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would provide grants to states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to create programs to help individuals obtain insulin at no out-of-pocket cost.

Why won't Medicare pay for insulin?

Why is insulin not covered by Medicare Part B? Insulin is a prescription drug used to control diabetes. Medicare Part B does not routinely cover prescription drugs. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare-approved plan that offers drug coverage.

What is the donut hole in Medicare 2025?

In 2025, the Medicare Part D coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole,” will be eliminated under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Part D plan members will also enjoy the security of an annual maximum out-of-pocket cost for prescription drugs.

What is the 15 rule for insulin?

If your blood sugar is low, follow the 15-15 rule: Have 15 grams of carbs, then wait 15 minutes. Check your blood sugar again. If it's still less than 70 mg/dL, repeat this process.

What is a dangerously high insulin level?

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

This condition occurs when the body makes insulin, but the insulin doesn't work properly. Blood glucose levels may become very high — greater than 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L ) without ketoacidosis. If you develop this condition, your body can't use either glucose or fat for energy.

What is the cap on insulin for Democrats?

A $35 cap on insulin costs just for people on Medicare was included in the Inflation Reduction Act that passed last year with every Democrat in favor and every GOP lawmaker opposed.

Is Ozempic considered insulin?

No, Ozempic is not the same as insulin. It is used to help your pancreas produce more insulin. Ozempic is currently only FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Do diabetics have to pay for insulin?

How to get free prescriptions for diabetes medicine. If you take diabetes medicine, you're entitled to free prescriptions for all your medicines, including medicines for other conditions. To claim your free prescriptions, you'll need to apply for an exemption certificate.

What do diabetics do if they can't afford insulin?

If you can't afford a medicine, ask your team if you can switch to a different, less expensive medicine. Your team may suggest other ways to help you save money, such as using free samples of glucose test strips or other supplies or contacting local programs that may provide financial support.

Is Trulicity considered insulin?

No, Trulicity is not a form of insulin. Trulicity mimics the effects of GLP-1 a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion. Trulicity is only suitable for people with type 2 diabetes who still have functioning insulin-producing cells in their pancreas.

How do I get Novolog for free?

The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) is based on our commitment to our patients. The Patient Assistance Program provides medication at no cost to those who qualify. Patients who are approved for the PAP may qualify to receive free medicine from Novo Nordisk.

Does Walmart really sell insulin for $25?

VERIFY: Yes, Walmart Does Sell $25 Insulin Without Prescription Or Insurance. You ask; we VERIFY. Does Walmart sell inexpensive insulin without a prescription or insurance?

Is 20 units of insulin a lot?

Basal insulin is usually started at a low dose (10 to 20 units) and then increased gradually to determine the right dose for an individual. Using a combination of treatments (ie, an oral or injectable non-insulin medication plus insulin) generally lowers the dose of insulin compared with taking insulin only.

Is there any financial help for diabetics?

The American Diabetes Association has partnered with Patient Advocate Foundation to make the Diabetes Co-Pay Relief fund possible. For further resources for Diabetes or to connect with the American Diabetes Association visit https://www.diabetes.org/resources.

How to get free insulin?

If you take Lilly insulin (Humalog, Basaglar, Lyumjev) and are uninsured or have Medicare Part D and meet certain income parameters, you may be eligible for free insulin through the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program, aka Lilly Cares.

What insulin is covered by Medicare Part B?

In general, Part B helps cover the services and supplies that affect people with diabetes—not the insulin itself. You pay 100% for insulin unless it's used with an insulin pump.

Why is insulin so expensive without insurance?

The increase in expenditures for insulin was primarily due to the change in prescribing from less expensive animal and human insulins to more expensive insulin analogs and by an increase in the price of all available insulins.