AARP-Backed Law Will Limit Insulin Costs in Oregon

En español | Most Oregon residents with diabetes will see lower out-of-pocket costs for insulin next year, under a state law signed by Gov. Tina Kotek and supported by AARP.

The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, requires state-regulated insurance companies to cap the cost of insulin, which regulates blood sugar, at $35 a month, or $105 for a 90-day supply. Oregon had previously capped insulin costs at $75 and $225, respectively. Under the new law, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to raise the limit with inflation.

“The law will make this lifesaving drug more affordable and accessible, and we applaud this effort,” said Andrea Meyer, AARP Oregon government relations director.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases and the eighth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High prices have forced many to ration their insulin doses or go without their drug, Meyer said in testimony for the legislation in February.

Twenty-six states and Washington, D.C. have passed laws to rein in insulin costs. AARP has been fighting for similar laws in states across the country, and has helped pass insulin cost caps in West Virginia, Nebraska and other states.

The state’s new lower cap will put private insurance companies more closely in line with Medicare, which caps out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 a month for Part D enrollees. Medicare’s insulin cap was included as part of a 2022 federal law designed to lower prescription drug costs, which AARP also championed.

Keep up with our advocacy work in Oregon, and learn more about how AARP is fighting to lower prescription drug costs.

Natalie Missakian covers federal and state policy and writes AARP’s Fighting for You Every Day blog. She previously worked as a reporter for the New Haven Register and daily newspapers in Ohio. She has also written for the AARP Bulletin, the Hartford Business Journal and other publications.

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