On Tuesday night, President Biden delivered his State of the Union address, celebrating the administration’s accomplishments and outlining further action to lower costs and improve health care for people across the nation. President Biden made clear he was committed to protecting vital programs — including Medicare and Social Security — from Republican attacks and building on recent health care gains to lower insulin costs, expand Medicaid, and more. As part of the event, key lawmakers welcomed guests who demonstrated the importance of affordable and accessible health care for everyone. Here are a few of their stories:
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Lacy McGee
Lacy McGee is an insulin user from Atlanta, who has struggled to afford her medication despite having private insurance. She has been forced to ration her insulin or even rely on the black market to obtain the lifesaving drug. Lacy’s story demonstrates the importance of extending the Inflation Reduction Act’s monthly insulin cap to everyone. Watch Lacy’s story here.
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and David Hovde
David Hovde from Appleton, Wisconsin, was diagnosed with diabetes. He takes two kinds of insulin, which was costing him hundreds of dollars monthly. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, his insulin costs are now capped at $35 per month. Watch David’s story here.
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and Marguerite Bailey Young
Marguerite Bailey Young is a 94-year-old type two diabetic and retired teacher from Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Inflation Reduction Act has allowed Marguerite, who is on a fixed income, to save around $2,000 a year on insulin. Watch Marguerite’s story here.
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Cindy Mundell
Cindy Mundell is a retired Cardiac ICU Nurse from Naperville, Illinois. She relies on Social Security and Medicare to stay healthy. Watch Cindy’s story here.
