NEW YORK, March 25, 2026 – Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, applauds Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and John Kennedy (R-LA), for introducing the bipartisan INSULIN Act of 2026, aimed at lowering the cost of insulin and strengthening access to the drug for the millions of Americans who rely on it every day to live. Recent progress in reducing insulin prices has helped, but affordability remains a serious challenge for many people with T1D.
The INSULIN Act would cap monthly insulin cost sharing at no more than $35, or 25% of the list price, in the group and individual market health plans, prohibit utilization management barriers, such as prior authorizations, on capped products, and require pharmacy benefit managers to pass through 100% of insulin rebates and discounts to plan sponsors, which would help people in the form of reduced premiums. The INSULIN Act also promotes generic and biosimilar competition, while supporting uninsured individuals through a pilot grant program in 10 states, a federal access study, and the creation of a national insulin resource center and hotline.
“Breakthrough T1D commends Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and John Kennedy (R-LA) for introducing this bipartisan bill to lower the cost of insulin for the millions of Americans who rely on it to live,” said Lynn Starr, Breakthrough T1D’s Chief Global Advocacy Officer. “The INSULIN Act builds on the meaningful progress made in recent years to reduce insulin prices and includes several long-standing priorities for which Breakthrough T1D has advocated. We are proud to support this legislation and urge the Senate to move swiftly to advance it.”
Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community have been advocating for insulin affordability for years, engaging with Congress, employers, health insurance companies, and drug manufacturers. While the organization continues to drive toward cures for T1D, it is also working to make everyday life better for those with T1D. Breakthrough T1D looks forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to advance the INSULIN Act.
About Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About type 1 diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts 9.5 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
