North Dakota Governor signs AARP-Backed Insulin Cost Cap

En español | We applaud North Dakota lawmakers for passing legislation to make insulin and devices more affordable for state employees with diabetes — with an eye toward extending that relief to all state residents in two years.  

The law, which Gov. Doug Burgum signed late Friday, takes effect Aug. 1. It caps the out-of-pocket cost of insulin, as well as copayments for diabetic supplies such as glucose meters, pen needles and syringes, at $25 per month for employees covered by the state’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). It also calls on PERS to study the impact and propose legislation to expand the cap statewide in 2025. 

“North Dakotans 50 and older have made it abundantly clear that lowering prescription drug costs is a top priority for them. Gov. Burgum’s signature on SB 2140 is the first step toward the broader efforts North Dakotans deserve,” said Josh Askvig, AARP North Dakota state director.

“By capping insulin-related costs for our public employees, the legislature will be able to see the benefit and consider extending coverage to the remaining 55,000 North Dakotans paying high out-of-pocket costs for their life-saving medication,” he added.

The average price of insulin nearly tripled from 2002 to 2013, according to the American Diabetes Association, although three drugmakers recently announced plans to lower prices on some of their insulin products. 

Although Congress last year capped the monthly cost at $35 for Medicare beneficiaries as part of its historic prescription drug reform legislation, we continue to fight for lower prices for the rest of Americans who need the drug.  

We helped push an insulin cap bill over the finish line in West Virginia in March, and we’re pushing for similar legislation in California, North Carolina, Montana and Nebraska. North Dakota is the 24th state to cap insulin costs. 

Keep up with our advocacy work in North Dakota, and learn more about how we’re fighting to lower prescription drug prices.