Missouri families push senators to support diabetes treatment bill:
Missourians are asking the state’s two senators to help pass what they call a life-changing bill. Supporters say it would make long-term treatment for diabetics more accessible.
Senator Ted Budd from North Carolina and Mike Lee from Utah introduced the Islet Act in November 2025. This would change the wording on pancreatic cell transplants.
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However, currently, those transplants are categorized as a drug instead of an organ, which affects insurance coverage.
“It’s not done as much here in the United States because of this issue of categorizing the islets as drugs rather than as an organ, which that’s what they are,” Yosten said.
Making everyone pay for this treatment will make insurance rates go up.
I mean, I hope everyone who wants, needs, or gets this treatment is healed, but this bill is about making everyone pay more so they can get it. Not making the treatment available.
So I expect it to pass; Schmitt, as you know, was proud of similar efforts he led in the past.
