Today Senate Republicans passed legislation to assist diabetics with the high cost of insulin through a safety net program for emergencies and a long-term assistance program.
“Following extensive work and compromise over the past year, this bipartisan legislation will save lives by securing access to insulin for those Minnesotans in need without delay,” said Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth). “We have been committed to finding a real solution that will make a real difference, and I am thankful this bill does just that to address the insulin problem.”
The bill requires insulin manufacturers to provide a 30-day supply of insulin for free to individuals in urgent need but struggling to afford the life-saving drug. Additionally, patient assistance programs through drug companies, which have been questioned as too onerous and cumbersome with limited qualifications, must be made accessible and transparent with their application and approval process. An application for assistance is based on standardized requirements and must be approved or denied within ten days.
“All Minnesotans will benefit from the passage of this ambitious bill designed to protect those who cannot access insulin,” said Senator Scott Jensen (R- Chaska), chief author of the bill. “Today is a new day in Minnesota for diabetics and this legislation will serve as a springboard for more creative legislative ideas regarding other expensive, life-sustaining medications. I want to extend thanks to Minnesotans across the state and all the advocates for their commitment to getting this important bill done,” he concluded.
In 2019, Senate Republicans instituted reforms to address the cost and emergency needs of insulin and other life-saving drugs. Pharmacies are obligated to provide a 30-day supply if a prescription runs out and the patient needs a refill before they can see their doctor for a renewal. Legislation in 2019 also stopped health plans from charging patients more than the wholesale cost of insulin to prevent profiteering off the drug and required Pharmacy Benefit Managers to regularly communicate discounts and rebates with the pharmacy for the patient to use first.
The Senate is leading the fight to reduce the costs of health care and prescription drugs with innovation. In 2017, Minnesotans had limited options, fewer providers, and double-digit cost increases in the health insurance market. The Minnesotan Reinsurance plan stabilized the costs, opened up more options, especially for rural communities, and has become a model program for other states. In 2020, the Senate began exploring reimportation programs that would allow Minnesotans access to lower-cost drugs available in neighboring nations. The federal government for the first time ever announced an openness to approving reimportation plans in individual states last December.
Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) represents Senate District 44, which includes the cities of Plymouth, Minnetonka, and Woodland. He is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education Finance and Policy and serves on the Taxes and E-12 Education Committees.