HHS Report Links Early Drops in Insulin Prices to First-Term Trump Policies

A newly obtained report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicates that executive actions taken during Donald Trump’s first presidential term successfully lowered insulin prices for many patients to under $35 for a 30-day supply, prior to subsequent legislative price caps.

The federal study, scheduled for official release on Monday, shows that commercial and Medicare insulin costs began declining almost immediately after a series of policy changes in 2020. According to the data, average prices fell below the $35 threshold well before President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law in 2022. While that legislation established a formal cap on insulin copays, the new HHS data suggests that the downward pricing trend had already been established.

On July 24, 2020, Trump signed four executive orders designed to target high drug prices. The first directive required federally qualified health centers to pass manufacturer discounts directly to low-income patients rather than retaining the savings. The second order permitted states to import safe prescription drugs from abroad and established pathways for personal importation waivers. The third aimed to eliminate secret rebates pocketed by middleman firms, ensuring discounts benefited consumers at the pharmacy counter. The fourth order sought to tie domestic prices to lower international benchmarks and authorized Medicare to negotiate insulin pricing terms.

Historically, the United States has faced disproportionately high costs for life-saving medications compared to other developed nations. According to the American Diabetes Association, millions of Americans rely on daily insulin to manage their condition. The complex distribution system, often involving a pharmacy benefit manager acting as an intermediary, has historically driven up list prices while reducing transparency.

The political battle over who deserves credit for lowering insulin costs remains highly contested. “While Joe Biden tried taking credit for $35 insulin, the data is clear: this was President Trump’s success alone,” said White House senior deputy press secretary Kush Desai. Desai added that the second Trump administration intends to build on this momentum through “TrumpRx” to provide further relief.

Major pharmaceutical manufacturers, which face ongoing public and regulatory pressure, have also adjusted their pricing structures. In January 2024, Novo Nordisk stated its commitment to reducing the burden of out-of-pocket costs and addressing the complexities of the pricing system. Similarly, during an announcement regarding $35 insulin doses in September 2025, Sanofi’s head of U.S. corporate affairs, Adam Gluck, emphasized the need for sustainable, long-term solutions to improve medicine access.

Looking forward, the administration plans to utilize the newly launched TrumpRx.gov platform alongside targeted tariff policies to continue driving down healthcare expenses for everyday Americans.