State lawmakers proposed several solutions Tuesday to put an end to skyrocketing prices for doctor’s visits and prescription drugs.

State Democrats proposed a cap on the cost of insulin. Under the plan, patients would pay no more than $100 per month. Insurance carriers would have to cover the rest. Colorado, Tennessee and West Virginia have similar plans.

"This is literally a matter of life and death for some,” says Senate President Martin Looney.

State Sen. Matthew Lesser, a Democrat from Middletown, says there is “absolutely no reason why people should be paying the highest prescription drugs prices in the world.”

At the state Capitol, the price cap has broad support, even from Republicans. But more controversial is a so-called "public option" for health insurance.

The state-run health plan would be extended to small businesses, theoretically giving them a cheaper option.

The insurance industry employs 60,000 people in Connecticut. They say a "public option" puts those jobs in jeopardy.