Utah lawmakers pass bill to cap insulin costs

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The cost of insulin has decreased for diabetes patients and their families in Utah after a bill was passed capping copayments at $30 a month.

The cost could be lower if insurers place the treatment in a lower-cost drug tier and waive deductibles.

The bill would also allow state employees to purchase insulin at a discounted rate and permits pharmacists to refill expired prescriptions on an emergency basis, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

“With this bill, no Utahn should ever have to leave a pharmacy without the insulin that they need to live,” bill sponsor and Republican state Sen. Deidre Henderson said. “As we remove those barriers, patients can better take care of themselves."

The state Legislature approved the bill Tuesday. The bill will next head to Gov. Gary Herbert for his signature or veto.