RI Insulin Prices Capped With Gov. McKee's Bill

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee signed two bills Wednesday that aim to make prescription drugs, especially insulin, more affordable.

The first piece of legislation (2021-S 0170B), requires insurers to cap the costs insured patients pay for insulin to $40 for a 30-day supply.

Under the new law, that prescription coverage cannot be subject to any deductible, McKee said. The law also allows insurers to charge less than the $40 threshold. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

"Managing diabetes and other diseases and illnesses should not be a cost burden to Rhode Island families," McKee said in a statement. "It is past time that insulin and other life-saving medications are affordable and accessible to those who need them, but these pieces of legislation are about more than just cost — they are about public health. Giving Rhode Islanders options to save money on their prescriptions is the right thing to do."

The second bill (2021-S 0497A) prohibits clauses in pharmacy contracts that prevent pharmacists from offering customers more affordable prescription options.

According to the legislation, plan sponsors, health insurance carriers and pharmacy benefit managers cannot prohibit pharmacists from telling insured customers how much they will pay for a prescription drug. The legislation also prohibits a pharmacy or pharmacist from being penalized for offering a lower-priced drug to customers.

"This bill is a patient and consumer protection bill that will allow our residents to save crucial dollars on their prescription medications," said state Sen. Walter Felag (D-Warren), who sponsored the bill. "It is simply unfair that our state's pharmacists are sometimes not allowed to discuss cheaper available prescription and treatment options with their customers. Thankfully, this bill removes this onerous gag order on our pharmacists, letting them serve their customers as they should while also saving consumers much-needed dollars."