On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate approved the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act by a bipartisan vote. The legislation addresses the ongoing insulin affordability crisis in Minnesota by establishing an emergency assistance program for individuals struggling to afford their medicine.  

“Insulin is a lifesaving drug. That is why I voted for every insulin bill on the Senate floor. This bill will provide emergency and low-cost insulin to every Minnesotan unable to afford this life saving medicine,” said Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). “I am sad that it has taken so long, but I look forward to a swift resolution so every diabetic Minnesotan will know they will have affordable insulin going forward. It’s a matter of life.”

The legislation creates an emergency insulin assistance program to provide access to insulin on an emergency basis, along with a patient assistance program to provide ongoing insulin access for eligible Minnesotans. The emergency program allows eligible individuals to receive up to three months of insulin from their pharmacy. The costs for both programs will be paid for by insulin manufacturers. Minnesotans seeking assistance under this program will be referred to a health plan that would provide them with insulin at little or no cost.

Legislation passed in 2019 prohibited insurers from making a profit on insulin. Minnesota health insurers then capped out-of-pocket insulin costs typically at around $25 per month. In addition, the Legislature also created a law requiring pharmacies to provide emergency access to insulin and other lifesaving drugs should a prescription run out. This allowed pharmacists to fill 30-day supplies of insulin for patients. Finally, the Legislature passed a bill requiring Pharmacy Benefit Managers to communicate available manufacturer rebates and discounts to pharmacies.