On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate passed the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act by a bipartisan vote. The legislation establishes an emergency assistance program for Minnesotans unable to afford the high costs of insulin. 

“This is a big step forward in our work to make sure Minnesotans have access to lifesaving medications such as insulin, even if they cannot afford it. I am particularly glad to see this legislation passed with unanimous support,” said Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester). “Since it passed with very strong Republican/Democrat support, I am very optimistic this bill will be accepted by the House Democrat majority. Nobody, I think all would agree, should have to go without a lifesaving medication such as insulin.”

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.

In 2019, legislation was signed into law requiring pharmacies to provide emergency access to insulin and other lifesaving drugs if a prescription runs out, allowing pharmacists to fill 30-day supplies of insulin for patients. The legislature also passed a bill requiring Pharmacy Benefit Managers to communicate available manufacturer rebates and discounts to pharmacies, as well as prohibiting health plans for making a profit on the sale of insulin.

The legislation awaits action by a conference committee between the Senate and the House to work out differences in the bills passed by each body.

Senator David Senjem, of Rochester, represents Dodge and Olmsted counties in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as chair of the Senate Capital Investment Committee and is a former majority leader and minority leader.