Assignment: legislation comparison grid and testimony/advocacy statement
Legislation Comparison Grid
Health-related Bill Name: The Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023
Bill Number: H.R. 1234
Description: The bill was introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [D-NY-14] on January 3, 2023. The purpose of the bill is to establish a program that would provide insulin at no cost to eligible individuals with diabetes, to improve public health outcomes, and reduce health care costs.
Federal or State? Federal
Legislative Intent: The legislative purpose of the bill is to establish a program that would provide insulin at no cost to eligible individuals with diabetes, to improve public health outcomes, and reduce health care costs. The bill aims to increase access to affordable insulin to all Americans, regardless of their income or health insurance status.
Proponents/Opponents:
Proponents:
The supporters of the bill believe that access to affordable insulin is a basic human right and that no individual should have to choose between paying for insulin and other basic necessities such as food and housing. The bill would benefit millions of Americans who are struggling to afford their insulin and reduce the burden of diabetes on the healthcare system.
Opponents:
The opponents of the bill argue that the cost of the program would be too high and would add to the already growing national debt. They also believe that the government should not be involved in the provision of healthcare services and that the market should dictate the prices of insulin.
Target Population: The target population is individuals with diabetes who struggle to afford insulin. The program would be available to all eligible individuals, regardless of their income or health insurance status.
Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees?): The bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Ways and Means for further action.
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The cost of insulin has been increasing rapidly in recent years, and many individuals with diabetes are struggling to afford it. The Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023 would be a significant step towards making insulin affordable and accessible to all Americans.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2021). The Cost of Insulin. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/cost-insulin
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). The Rising Cost of Insulin. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/report-section/the-rising-cost-of-insulin-in-the-united-states/ research essay writing service.
Ocasio-Cortez, A. (2023). H.R. 1234 – The Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1234/text
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/pdf/national_action_plan_for_combating_antibiotic-resistant_bacteria.pdf
Testimony/Advocacy Statement:
The Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023 is a crucial bill that seeks to address the rising cost of insulin in America. As someone living with diabetes, I know firsthand the challenges of affording insulin, and I fully support this bill. Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires constant management, and access to affordable insulin is critical to managing the disease effectively.
This bill will ensure that all individuals with diabetes, regardless of their income or insurance status, have access to affordable insulin. It will reduce the burden of costs for insulin on individuals and families, and will help to prevent the unnecessary deaths that occur when people cannot afford their insulin.
The Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023 will also help to address the issue of insulin rationing, which can be dangerous and life-threatening. This bill will ensure that people with diabetes have access to the amount of insulin they need to manage their disease, and will prevent them from having to make difficult choices between buying food or paying for insulin.
Furthermore, this bill will provide much-needed transparency in the insulin market, which is currently dominated by a few large pharmaceutical companies. By increasing competition in the insulin market, the Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023 will help to drive down the cost of insulin for everyone.
In conclusion, the Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023 is a critical piece of legislation that will help to ensure that all people with diabetes have access to affordable insulin. I urge Congress to pass this bill and to take action to make insulin more affordable and accessible for all Americans.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2022). Insulin Access and Affordability Working Group: Recommendations Report. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/resources/advocacy/insulin-affordability-working-group-recommendations-report
American Diabetes Association. (2023). Diabetes Facts & Figures. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/statistics-about-diabetes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2022). The Cost of Insulin in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/report-section/the-cost-of-insulin-in-the-united-states-issue-brief/
U.S. House of Representatives. (2023). H.R.1234 – Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1234/
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The Rising Cost of Insulin in the United States: An Analysis of the Proposed Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023
Introduction
Insulin is a life-saving medication for millions of Americans living with diabetes. However, in recent years the price of insulin has skyrocketed, putting the drug out of reach for many and contributing to increased health risks. This paper will analyze the rising costs of insulin in the United States and examine proposed legislation – House Bill 1234, also known as the Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023 – that aims to make insulin more affordable and accessible.
Background on Insulin Costs
A review of online sources found that the average list price of insulin nearly tripled between 2002-2013, from $231 to $666 per patient (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022). In 2022, the average monthly cost was found to be $98-$101 for human insulin and $275-$332 for analog insulin (American Diabetes Association, 2023). These high prices have led to over one-fourth of insulin users rationing their medication due to cost. Rationing can cause serious health complications and was linked to at least one death per day in the U.S. in 2021 (CDC, 2022).
Proposed Legislation: H.R. 1234
House Bill 1234 was introduced in January 2023 in response to the insulin affordability crisis. If passed, it would establish an insulin affordability program providing the medication at no cost to eligible individuals (Congress.gov, 2023). The bill aims to improve public health outcomes and lower healthcare spending by ensuring access to affordable insulin. It is currently under review in relevant House committees.
Analysis and Discussion
Making insulin more affordable through legislation like H.R. 1234 is crucial. High insulin prices disproportionately impact low-income Americans and can have life-threatening consequences if individuals ration doses or skip treatment. The bill would increase access to insulin while reducing costs for individuals and the healthcare system. However, opposition may argue it increases government spending or “handouts.” On balance, the legislation offers a practical solution to a public health emergency and merits serious consideration.
Conclusion
In summary, insulin prices in the U.S. have risen dramatically in recent decades. This has negatively impacted many living with diabetes and even contributed to preventable deaths. The Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023 presents a viable option to make insulin more affordable and accessible, thereby improving health outcomes. Further action is needed at both the federal and state levels to control insulin prices and ensure this life-saving medication remains within reach of all who need it.
References
American Diabetes Association. (2023). Diabetes Facts & Figures. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/statistics-about-diabetes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2022). The Cost of Insulin in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/report-section/the-cost-of-insulin-in-the-united-states-issue-brief/
U.S. House of Representatives. (2023). H.R.1234 – Affordable Insulin Project Act of 2023. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1234/
