On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate passed the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act by a bipartisan vote. The legislation, House File 3100, establishes an emergency assistance program for Minnesotans unable to afford the high costs of insulin. The legislation awaits action by a conference committee to work out differences in the bills passed by each body.

“I am proud to see the Senate finally pass this legislation with bipartisan support. This is about making sure no more Minnesotans suffer – or die – because they cannot afford their lifesaving insulin,” said Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake), a co-author of the bill. “I have heard from so many people in Scott County and across the state whose lives are affected every single day by this issue. People living with diabetes cannot produce insulin naturally, so their lives literally depend on having a reliable supply of the drug. This is a big step forward.”

The legislation creates an emergency assistance program to provide access to insulin on a short-term basis, as well as a patient assistance program to provide ongoing access to insulin for eligible Minnesotans. The legislation also alerts families when their children are no longer eligible to be covered under their parents’ insurance plan, as well as information on how to find new insurance plans that cover most or all of insulin copays.

In 2019, legislation was signed into law that requires pharmacies to provide emergency access to insulin and other lifesaving drugs if an individual’s prescription runs out. Under the new laws, pharmacy Benefit Managers are now required to communicate available manufacturer rebates and discounts to pharmacies and prohibits insurance companies from making a profit off insulin. As a result of these reforms, most major Minnesota insurers capped copays for insulin at $25.

“More Minnesotans can afford insulin today than one year ago – but there are still people falling through the gaps. We want to be absolutely sure nobody is left behind,” said Senator Pratt.  “I am extremely optimistic that we will work out the remaining differences and get this passed into law very, very soon. This is a big step forward on an issue that must be solved this session.”

Senator Eric Pratt, of Prior Lake, represents Scott County in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee.