Today Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Minnesota announced $0 cost insulin for fully insured members in their individual, small, and large group policies. The change is made possible because of the Republican-led senate reforms to stabilize the insurance market. 

“As Chair of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, I laud Blue Cross Blue Shield for joining Medica and UCare in stepping up to provide this essential coverage for diabetics,” said Senator Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls). “Being able to provide this coverage is a win for Minnesota consumers, proving yet again that innovative solutions like the Republican-led reinsurance program works well for all Minnesotans.”

Advocates affected by diabetes have been calling for change in light of massive increases to the cost of insulin. The announcement of low-cost insulin from first from Medica, then from UCare, and now from BCBS, indicate the health insurance market stabilizing after several years of turmoil. The legislature passed the 2017 Reinsurance program in response to double-digit increases in the individual market insurance rates. The effects of reinsurance continue to provide much needed health care cost relief to Minnesotans.