Mississippi Study on the Affordability of Insulin Act; create.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would provide meaningful insights into how the cost of insulin affects patient adherence to treatment, the incidence of serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, and the broader financial implications for state health programs. By collecting data on those affected by high insulin prices—specifically those uninsured, covered by private insurance, or participating in public health programs—the bill aims to highlight disparities in access to necessary medications, aiding in future legislative efforts to improve healthcare equity.
Summary
House Bill 813, known as the Mississippi Study on the Affordability of Insulin Act, seeks to address the critical issue of insulin accessibility for individuals with diabetes in the state of Mississippi. The bill mandates the State Health Officer to conduct a comprehensive study assessing the impact of insulin affordability on various health outcomes related to diabetes. The report generated from this study is required to be submitted to both the House and Senate Drug Policy Committees by December 31, 2022, ensuring legislative oversight and circulation of the findings among policymakers.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 813 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among healthcare advocates, as it emphasizes the necessity of understanding and addressing the affordability of diabetes medication. Proponents of the bill underscore the importance of this study for informing policies that protect public health. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the potential limitations of the bill's scope, particularly if the study does not lead to actionable policy changes based on its findings.
Contention
While there is strong advocacy for increased awareness of insulin affordability, there may be contentions related to how effectively this bill translates findings into real-world solutions. Critics could argue that simply studying the issue without immediate legislative action might not sufficiently address the urgent needs of individuals currently facing financial barriers to insulin. Therefore, the bill's success may depend on the responsiveness of lawmakers to the study's outcomes and their willingness to implement comprehensive reforms addressing insulin costs.
Providing price limits and other requirements for health benefits covering prescription insulin drugs and establishing the insulin affordability program for the uninsured.