Bentley, who has type 2 diabetes himself, has been an active advocate for increased accessibility to insulin and diabetes care throughout his tenure.[6] From 2018 to 2024, Bentley introduced or co-sponsored 10 measures related to diabetes care including an attempt to pass "Alec's Law" which would have established a program to provide either a 30-day or 12-month supply of insulin at a reduced cost to individuals whose insurance carriers stopped providing insulin coverage.[7]
During the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly, Bentley introduced House Bill 95 which capped insulin co-pay costs at $30 for individuals on state health insurance plans.[8] It passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law by GovernorAndy Beshear on March 22, 2021.[9][10]
Controversy
During the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly, Bentley stated in a committee meeting that the abortion pillRU-486 was developed from the deadly chemical agent Zyklon B, and that the abortion pill was "invented by a Jew".[11] He then went on a tangent about Jewish women's sexual habits.[12][13]
"Did you know that a Jewish woman has less cancer of the cervix than any other race in this country or this world? And why is that? Because the Jewish women only have one sex partner."[14]
Bentley was condemned by multiple Jewish groups and Governor Beshear.[15] Bentley later apologized for his statements, and stated that he stood with the Jewish community against hatred.[14]
