(St. Paul, MN…) Senator Scott Jensen (R-Chaska) voiced support for the Minnesota Insulin Patient Assistance Program released today by his colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus. Jensen, a medical doctor, applauded the proposal for strengthening the doctor-patient relationship by requiring drug manufacturers to deliver free insulin to doctors on behalf of their patients. Jensen also noted the bill’s sunset will force the Minnesota legislature to continue working on the broader challenge of making all prescription drugs more affordable.

“This bill is a solid proposal that gets Minnesota close to the goal of access to insulin at an affordable price for everyone who needs it,” said Senator Jensen. “It’s important for the long-term health of patients to connect them directly with their physician instead of just providing emergency insulin – and this bill facilitates that connection. I look forward to working with my colleagues.”

The Minnesota Insulin Assistance Program is a new plan to provide access to insulin for Minnesotans unable to afford the high cost of this life-saving medicine. The program requires insulin drug manufacturers to provide insulin to Minnesota doctors on behalf of their eligible patients. To qualify, Minnesotans with diabetes must have a family income less than 400% of the federal poverty level and not be covered by another state or federal healthcare program such as Medicare, Medicaid, or MinnesotaCare.

A key provision in the Republican plan requires patients to work through their doctor’s office to acquire free insulin from the manufacturers, fostering stronger doctor-patient relationships that will improve care. Patients will use the MNsure web portal to receive an eligibility statement for the program that can be brought to their doctor’s office.