July 1, 2020
Updates from the Governor
Today, Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and insulin affordability advocates celebrated the launch of the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program. The program, created by the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, allows Minnesotans in urgent need of insulin to access the life-saving drug through their pharmacy.
For far too long, sky-rocketing costs have priced too many Minnesotans out of the medicine that they need to live. Thanks to the legislators and advocates who fought for years against great odds, Minnesotans in urgent need of insulin now have peace of mind knowing they can apply for the Insulin Safety Net Program. This program ensures that no Minnesotan will ever have to choose between the medicine they need to live, food on the table, or a place to call home.
The Insulin Safety Net Program—implemented by MNsure, the state’s health insurance marketplace, and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy—has two parts: 1) The urgent need program for eligible Minnesotans to receive a once-per-year 30-day supply of insulin immediately at their pharmacy for no more than a $35 copay; and 2) The continuing need program for eligible Minnesotans to receive up to a year supply of insulin for no more than $50 per 90-day refill.
Minnesotans can visit MNinsulin.org to see if they qualify and learn how to apply.
To honor Alec Smith, who died at the age of 26 after losing his parents’ health insurance and was not able to afford the insulin he needed to survive, Governor Walz declared July 1, 2020 as Alec Smith Day in the State of Minnesota.
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
- Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
- Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
- Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.
Resources
- Visit mn.gov/covid19 to learn more about Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response and Preparation
- Find a testing location in your community
- CDC Situation Updates
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19