Minnesota Senate Republicans announced today a proposal to add an emergency provision to their insulin program. In response to advocates and the working group, they are continuing to refine their proposal for 2020.
“No one in Minnesota should fall through the cracks when it comes to insulin. Throughout this process we have been listening to families in need of insulin. Adding this emergency provision and including seniors on Medicare is a result of that dialogue,” said Sen. Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake), the author of the Insulin Patient Assistance Program.
“This new emergency program makes our original plan much stronger. I’m optimistic that with these changes, we can continue to work with anyone that has a desire to help diabetics in the upcoming session,” Pratt continued. “The proposal submitted to the working group last week by Senate Republicans will complement the Insulin Patient Assistance Program introduced by Senate Republicans in September 2019, giving patients and families in need of insulin a comprehensive system of coverage. The proposal bridges the gap between key republican and democrat working group positions. For anyone facing an insulin emergency, they will receive both insulin and the resources they need to keep their medication affordable.”
Under the new emergency proposal, patients can receive a 30-day supply of insulin at their pharmacy by paying a $75 copay. Other states with insulin programs have capped the cost at $100, making this plan one of the most affordable options in the country. The 30-day supply is available once a year to legal Minnesota residents with family incomes less than 400% of the Federal poverty guidelines. Enrollment and eligibility would be handled through the MNSure website, similar to the Insulin Patient Assistance Program.
The original Senate Republican insulin plan provides 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 ($50,000 for individuals and $100,00 for a family of four) and not be covered by another state or federal healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or MinnesotaCare.
“This comprehensive approach to insulin coverage addressing both emergency and long-term needs should find consensus and we plan to bring it to the Senate floor during the 2020 legislative session,” added Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa). “We look forward to working with House Democrats, Governor Walz or anyone else who truly wants to be a problem-solver to get this done.”
Highlights of the plan are below:
- Covers people at 400% of the federal poverty level, which is $50,000 for an individual and $100,000 for a family of four
- A 30-day supply of emergency insulin, with the ability to get another 30-day supply if needed
- Connect patients to long-term affordable insulin options (Senior Linkage Line, MNsure navigators)
- Cost between the Health Care Access Fund and the insulin manufacturers
- Uses existing processes for fast implementation