Michigan State Senators Darrin Camilleri and Chedrick Greene have introduced a sweeping, multi-bill healthcare affordability package aimed at eliminating out-of-pocket costs for three critical categories of medication: epinephrine, insulin, and prescription inhalers.
While federal initiatives and many states have focused on limiting costs through copay caps, the Michigan package would go further by requiring private health insurance plans to cover these medications and certain related supplies without deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The sponsors describe the proposal as a first-of-its-kind zero-dollar cost-sharing framework designed to remove financial barriers to accessing life-saving treatments.
Advocates of the package emphasize the dangers of patients skipping or rationing medications due to cost. “Michigan is drawing a clear line in the sand: if you pay for insurance, you should never be forced to ration your medication just to breathe, manage diabetes, or survive a severe allergic reaction,” said Camilleri. “These life-saving medications need to be covered.”
Camilleri is sponsoring Senate Bill 1032, which would require private health insurers to provide epinephrine products without deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The sponsors describe the measure as the nation’s most comprehensive unrestricted zero-cost epinephrine proposal, noting that some existing state laws limit free epinephrine auto-injectors to minors or restrict the number of covered devices available each year.
The lawmakers say the package is intended to address mounting financial pressures facing Michigan families. “We came to Lansing to represent regular people, and regular people are hurting,” said Greene. “With these bills, we aren’t just capping prices, we are eliminating them and setting a new national standard for consumer-first healthcare.”
Greene is sponsoring Senate Bill 1033, which would eliminate cost-sharing not only for insulin but also for diabetes-management supplies used to administer and monitor treatment. Covered items would include continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), glucometers, lancets, and test strips. Supporters say the bill would create one of the nation’s most expansive zero-cost diabetes coverage requirements.
Greene is also sponsoring Senate Bill 1034, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for prescription inhalers. In addition, the legislation would prohibit insurance policies from imposing restrictions that prevent patients from obtaining medically necessary backup inhalers.
All three bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Health Policy for further consideration.
We at SnackSafely applaud these efforts, but firmly believe that their protections must also extend to those who cannot afford insurance or are enrolled in state plans. We would prefer Sen Camilleri’s quote read: “If you pay for insurance, you should never be forced to ration your medication just to breathe, manage diabetes, or survive a severe allergic reaction.”
