California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected a bill that could make insulin cheaper. He vetoed the legislation on Saturday, Oct. 7.
The specific bill that Newsom vetoed was Senate Bill 90, which Senator Scott Wiener introduced. Before it was rejected, the bill passed the Assembly 79-0 and the Senate 39-0.
The question is, if Senate Bill 90 limits the price of insulin, then why did Newsom reject it? Here are the latest details.
California Gov. Newsom Rejects Bill That Could Make Insulin Cheaper
The Guardian reported that Senate Bill 90 was created to prevent insurance companies from charging consumers over $35 for insulin.
If Newsom hadn't vetoed this legislation, it could have banned disability insurance policies and health plans from implementing any out-of-pocket expenses on insulin prescription drugs above $35 for a 30-day supply.
These expenses include co-pays and deductibles. But, the California governor explained why he rejected Senate Bill 90.
Recently, the Democratic official announced that California has a $50 million contract with Civica Rx, a non-profit pharmaceutical firm, to manufacture the CalRx insulin. Gavin added that they will sell a 10-milliliter vile of the medicine for just $30.
"With CalRx, we are getting at the underlying cost, which is the true sustainable solution to high-cost pharmaceuticals," said Newsom.
"With co-pay caps, however, the long-term costs are still passed down to consumers through higher premiums from health plans," he added.
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Newsom's Bill Rejection Criticized
The Associated Press reported that Wiener criticized the decision of Newsom to reject Senate Bill 90. The official said that what the governor did was a major setback.
Scott Wiener explained that rejecting the legislation will only keep thousands of Californians with diabetes trapped in a terrible situation between "buying insulin and buying food."
The senator further stated that the missed opportunity would force diabetic residents to wait years until medical care becomes affordable.
Insulin is a drug hormone that can convert sugar into energy. It is used by diabetic people who can't naturally produce enough insulin.
Health experts said insulin is necessary for Type 1 diabetic patients if they want to survive. However, getting insulin will now be difficult since Senate Bill 90 has been vetoed.
