Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan newsletter banner image

March 3, 2023

 

Dear Neighbor, 

 

I want to make sure you saw some exciting news coming out of Washington this week.  Eli Lilly has capped insulin costs at $35 per month, the Department of Veteran's Affairs has increased the maximum amount of life insurance coverage available for our veterans to $500,000, we opened a new office in Long Beach, and we're in the process of moving into our new office space in San Pedro!  More information on each of these is below. 

Eli Lilly Caps Insulin Costs at $35 per Month

 Eli Lilly, one of the major producers of insulin, will cap out-of-pocket-costs for patients at $35 per month. 

 

This is HUGE NEWS. When Congressional Democrats and President Biden passed the Inflation Reduction Act last year, we capped the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors.  While we were able to cap the cost of insulin for seniors and those on Medicare, Republicans stripped away legislation that would have capped the price for ALL Americans. President Biden and Democrats in Congress have continued to urge drug manufacturers to lower costs for patients.  Eli Lilly has listened, and will lower insulin prices and cap out-of-pocket costs for Americans with diabetes.

 

Starting May 1, 2023, all non-branded Eli Lilly insulin will cost $25.  This fall, the company will decrease the prices for its Humulin and Humalog insulin (the most commonly prescribed insulin), cutting it to $35 or less per month for those with insurance who use participating pharmacies. 

 

There's more work to be done:  7 in 10 Americans are still facing high insulin prices, because Eli Lilly does not supply their brand of insulin or they are uninsured.  We are calling on every insulin manufacturer to follow Eli Lilly's lead and reduce their insulin prices. Let's keep this going and ensure that all Americans have affordable, life-saving insulin. 

VA Life Insurance Increasing to $500,000

Beginning March 1, the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA)  increased the maximum amount of life insurance coverage available to Veterans and service members from $400,000 to $500,000 for Veteran's Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI).  This increase in coverage reflects the current cost of living and helps ensure that the families of Veterans and servicemembers will have the financial support they need should their loved ones pass away. 

 

While we can never truly repay Veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our country, we will do what we can to ensure that their families are supported.  

New Office Locations in Long Beach and San Pedro 

I am excited to share that I have a new office location in Long Beach, located at: 

4201 Long Beach Boulevard, Suite 422

Long Beach, CA 90807

This office will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm. 

 

Additionally, we are moving into a new office in San Pedro.  While we are no longer at 302 W. Fifth Street, you can soon find us in the San Pedro Municipal Building, located at 638 S Beacon St, San Pedro, CA 90731.  As soon as we move into the new space, we'll make sure to let you know!

 

 You can still reach our office at (310)-831-1799 for assistance.  We look forward to serving you in our new offices.  

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Member of Congress

 

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Washington D.C. Office
2312 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-8220

San Pedro Office
302 W. Fifth St
Suite 201
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 831-1799

Long Beach Office 
4201 Long Beach Blvd, Suite 422

Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone: (310) 831-1799

South Gate City Hall Office
8650 California Ave
South Gate, CA 90280
Phone: (310) 831-1799