A Child's Lifesaving Need: Rallying for Affordable Insulin

Thu Apr 02 2026 06:35:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As the cost of insulin continues to burden families, a bipartisan bill aims to cap insulin prices at $35 monthly, providing hope for families like the Brandons.

Two-year-old Bain Brandon, who has Type 1 diabetes, is facing high insulin costs despite having insurance. A new bipartisan INSULIN Act seeks to cap the price of insulin at $35 per month for those with private insurance, while also introducing programs for uninsured Americans. This legislation comes amidst growing concerns over healthcare costs and aims to alleviate economic pressures for diabetes patients and their families.

NEW YORK — Two-year-old Bain Brandon relies on insulin to live, but even with health insurance, the costs are daunting for his family. Last week, Bain's monthly insulin supply came to $194, a weighty figure for the family despite their current capability to afford it. Bain’s mother, Marlee Brandon, expressed her concerns about future affordability as her son grows up and moves off their insurance plan: I feel like a lot of people don’t realize how much and how expensive it is.”

In an effort to assist families like the Brandons, a bipartisan group of senators has introduced the INSULIN Act. This proposed legislation aims to cap insulin costs at $35 per month for those with private insurance while also initiating a pilot program to facilitate affordable access to insulin for uninsured patients across ten states. This initiative follows a similar effort made in 2022, which capped insulin prices for Medicare recipients at the same amount as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

While the bill has garnered bipartisan support, it could face significant hurdles due to budgetary concerns and competing legislative priorities. However, the climate in Congress, particularly with public pressure surrounding healthcare affordability, offers a glimmer of hope for potential bipartisan progress.

Currently, about 8.1 million Americans use insulin, a necessity for many living with diabetes. Yet, costs are exceedingly variable; while some individuals pay as little as $0 for their insulin, others can spend hundreds per month due to varying insurance coverage levels and administrative costs.

Healthcare advocates emphasize that efforts to cap these costs have been ongoing, yet previous attempts have stalled in Congress. “It puts the onus on the patient to navigate affordability,” said Dr. Leslie Eiland, an advocate for the new legislation.

Families battling with high insulin costs remain hopeful, viewing the proposed INSULIN Act as an essential step towards affordable healthcare access—a sentiment echoed by young adults like Breana Glover, who are grappling with life-altering health expenses. “A $35 cap would be a small, but significant step towards greater accessibility,” she noted.