Senate Republicans removed a proposal in the Inflation Reduction Act to cap insulin prices at $35.
The Bible calls on us to care for those who are sick and in need. Affordable access to medication is crucial for our neighbors with diabetes. But Senators recently did not approve a provision to cap the price of insulin for private insurance patients.
“I was sick and you looked after me…”
—Matthew 25:35-37
Republican senators used a parliamentary rule to remove the proposal from the Inflation Reduction Act that just passed through the senate. The proposal could have helped 1-in-5 patients who currently pay more than $35 for their insulin. The price cap is still active for patients insured by Medicare.
For many in the U.S, Insulin is a life-saving, but expensive drug. 7 Million Americans take it everyday. For those with diabetes, the medication can cost them up to almost half of their income after housing and food.
7 Republicans voted with all 50 Democrats to keep the price cap, but it was not enough to overcome the 60 votes needed to keep the provision in the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Republican senators have not offered concrete reasons for why they voted no, other than that Senate rules prohibit the amendment in this type of reconciliation bill. Budget Reconciliation is a senate procedure which allows certain spending bills to pass with 50, rather than 60, votes in the senate.
However, if 10 Republicans had voted yes, it would have been permissible to keep the price cap in the Inflation Reduction Act. Senate Republicans have yet to offer more explanations on why they voted against the price cap.
With no other logical explanations from our elected representatives, why are they refusing to help those in need, where an Insulin price cap could literally save lives?
As Christians, we should strongly encourage our elected officials in the senate to consider the impact an insulin price cap would have on our brothers and sisters with diabetes.
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” -3 John 1:2
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