Newsom blocks insulin cost reduction in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom blocked SB 90 to reduce the cost of insulin in the state from going forward. The rule prohibited the imposition of a $35 co-payment by insurers for the monthly supply of the drug.

"Bringing down the costs of prescription drugs, and particularly insulin, has long been a priority of mine," Newsom wrote in a statement. "With copay caps however, long-term costs are still passed down on to consumers through higher premiums from health plans."

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In mid-March, the state administration partnered with the company Civica to "create a line of insulin called CalRx that will cost no more than $30 per 10-milliliter vial or $55 for five 3-milliliter cartridges."

It is "a big setback"

Scott Wiener, a Democratic state senator and sponsor of the bill, criticized Newsom for his veto, which represents "a major setback that will keep tens of thousands of diabetic Californians trapped in the terrible choice between buying insulin and buying food."

"People are choosing between paying for insulin and buying food. This veto is a missed opportunity to ensure people can afford their medicine," Wiener wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.