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.
“As insulin prices increased it became clear that a change had to be made to protect those who cannot afford this life-sustaining medicine,” said Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo). “This bill is a great step in the right direction and was made possible by devoted advocates and legislators on behalf of Minnesotans across the state.”
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.
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.