Assembly passes SB 40 to cap insulin co-payments at $35 for 30-day supply

The Assembly passed SB 40, the Insulin Affordability Act, after the floor sponsor described the measure as a way to reduce cost-related underuse of insulin. Assemblymember Baines presented the bill on behalf of Senator Weiner and told members the measure would cap co-payments for a 30-day supply of insulin at $35 and require insurers and health plans to make insulin available without imposing step-therapy prerequisites.

On the floor, the sponsor framed the bill as essential to protect people with diabetes, saying "Insulin is not optional. It is a critical treatment for people living with diabetes that could be a matter of life or death." The sponsor also cited floor context about the prevalence of diabetes in California, noting large numbers of residents rely on insulin and that cost-related underuse has been reported.

The clerk closed the roll and tallied the vote with 'Ayes 59, Nos 0' and the measure passed the Assembly. Supporters described recent amendments that exempt some managed-care plans from certain provisions while preserving the $35 cap across plan types.

What it does: SB 40 caps co-payments for insulin at $35 for a 30-day supply and imposes protections to prevent step-therapy barriers from denying access. Floor sponsors said the change aims to reduce cost-related underuse and related health harms.

Next steps: With passage in the Assembly, SB 40 will continue through the legislative process toward final enactment; implementation details and any federal interactions with health-plan rules will be determined in follow-up implementation work.