The Minnesota Legislature is having a serious debate about how to bring down the soaring cost of prescription drugs. Lifesaving drugs have become inaccessible to many because of their high cost. Insulin is a particularly egregious example, tragically brought into focus by the death of Alec Smith, a young man who died because he had to ration the insulin he could no longer afford. We are working to find a way to prevent another unnecessary tragedy by ensuring that people who live with diabetes have access to the insulin they need to survive.
As legislators, we should not dispense medical advice. Rep. Jeremy Munson, R-Lake Crystal, inserted himself (“Over-the-counter insulin is a viable option,” Oct. 4) into the patient-physician relationship by recommending that insulin-dependent diabetics use a $25 insulin option from Walmart.
As the only physicians in the Minnesota House, we feel compelled to respond.
View the complete October 8 commentary by Reps. Alice Mann and Kelly Morrison here.