New Connecticut State Laws On Diabetes Prescription Supplies

On Jan. 1, 2021, Connecticut House Bill 6003 officially went into effect. As a result of the new state law, pharmacists are now required to dispense emergency insulin and prescription supplies to diabetes patients who are running dangerously low on the supplies they need. Next year, price caps on these supplies will be implemented. 

If you’re a person with diabetes living in Connecticut, you may be wondering how this law will affect you. Read on for a full breakdown of the new law and the changes you can expect to see as a result. 

Connecticut House Bill 6003, Explained 

Under Connecticut House Bill 6003, diabetes patients in Connecticut can let their pharmacist know if they have under a week’s worth of medicine or other supplies related to diabetes. Once the pharmacist checks with Connecticut’s emergency drug monitoring program, they will be able to provide these patients with the supplies they need. 

Though this has been in place since the start of 2021, other parts of the law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022. Then, the cost of a 30-day insulin supply will be capped at $25 for people with state-regulated health insurance. Annual out-of-pocket expenses for other diabetes-related supplies (including syringes, pumps, and blood glucose meters) will be capped at $100 on that date, as well. 

Connecticut House Bill 6003 was introduced last February and was approved in July 2020, when it passed on a vote of 142 to 4. It was OK’d in response to significant diabetes-related cost increases in recent years. According to the Health Care Cost Institute, the annual cost of insulin for people with diabetes rose from $2,865 to $5,700 between 2012 and 2016. 

“It’s unconscionable that anyone should have to limit or go without a common and widely-available life-saving drug on an emergency basis in America in 2021. The Connecticut legislature stepped in to help resolve this crisis, and our residents will be better for it,” State Sen. Derek Slap said in a press release on the new law. 

Connecticut Caps The Cost Of Insulin 

With the approval of Connecticut House Bill 6003, Connecticut has become one of a number of states to cap the cost of insulin on health insurance plans. Now that this practice is gaining momentum across the country, even if your state hasn’t put a price cap into place yet, it may do so down the line. 

Shortly after the bill was signed into law last year, Connecticut’s government was recognized for the decision by the American Diabetes Association itself. In a press release, the ADA reiterated its support of the measure and shared a statement from Director for State Government Affairs Stephen Habbe. 

“It is critical that elected officials address the needs of their citizens with diabetes. The ADA thanks Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Matt Lesser, Representative Sean Scanlon and the leadership and members of the legislature for passing this bill into law, and for their efforts to address the cost of care and to help those who live with diabetes thrive,” Habbe was quoted as saying in the press release. 

Keep Your Diabetes Supplies In Stock 

US MED carries InPen, a smart insulin pen.

Whether you’re a resident of Connecticut or another state, US MED can help you avoid running out of diabetes supplies. When you choose us as your medical supply provider, we’ll work with your healthcare provider and insurance company to make sure you have access to the supplies you need at all times. That’s why we have some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry – not to mention an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. 

Want to learn more about US MED? Read about our credentials here, or take a look at the products we have available.