After years of debate and discussion regarding the affordability and availability of insulin, Northeast Central Washington State Representative Jaqueline Maycumber has sponsored a bill that would specifically make the drug easier for young people to receive. She says the bill will create a program that would negotiate a purchasing insulin in bulk quantities from suppliers.
Maycumber is the parent of a diabetic child, and knows first hand the life-saving value insulin provides. Studies show over seven million Americans take insulin and that it costs four times more in the US than in other countries. Maycumber's bill addresses the costs and the struggle parents face to afford a medication that keeps their children alive.
A public hearing on the bill will take place today (Wed) in Olympia in the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness. The bill applies to people under the age of 21 in need of insulin.