The informational hearing on HB2684 was opened by the Chair.

Assistant Revisor Ma gave an overview of the bill and stood for questions.  

Proponents standing before the committee included:

• Representative Stiens, 39th District addressed this life-or-death issue for thousands of Kansas; the high cost of insulin and diabetes management supplies; this bill would provide meaningful relief by capping out-of-pocket costs. (Attachment 3)
• Kirstin Georgeson, Mental Health Association, Music Therapist-Board Certified, addressed a need for laws and regulations to be put in place to stop the unfair negotiations which are causing insulin to be unaffordable; diabetic Kansans without insurance are dying. (Attachment 4)
• Private Citizen, Nathan Pettengill, 10th District, testified to the need for a reasonable cap on medication and medical supplies essential for the treatment of diabetes; to remain free of predatory pricing. (Attachment 5)

Proponents testifying via WebEx were:

• Michael Glassner, Co-founder, Americans for Lower Drug Prices,  noted there are approximately 244,000 Kansas with diabetes; capping the price of insulin will provide much-needed relief to those not yet eligible for Medicare and those most financially burdened. (Attachment 6)
• Amber Beck, Executive Director, Cairn Health, an organization that helps uninsured and low-income Kansas access medications, vision care, and other healthcare services. Cairn Health supports this bill as a fixed, affordable insulin co-pay provides predictability for patients, helps them stay consistent with their treatment, and ultimately reduces costly emergency care while improving health outcomes.  (Attachment 7)

A lengthy question and answer period followed the conclusion of all presentations.    

Representative Meyer briefly addressed committee peers giving personal testimony in support HB2684. 

There were no neutrals or opponents present.

The Chair closed the informational hearing on HB2684.   

The Chair adjourned the meeting.