Yesterday, the Legislature approved landmark legislation that makes affordable insulin accessible in an emergency and over the long-term. The bill is called the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act.
Alec Smith passed away in 2017 at the age of 26 when he aged off of his parents’ health insurance and was forced to ration his insulin that he could no longer afford, due to its incredibly high cost. Alec’s story is unfortunately not unique, as at least two more Minnesotans have died from insulin rationing since last year’s legislative session. These tragic stories have put a spotlight on the skyrocketing cost of insulin, which has tripled in the last ten years. Studies indicate that 1 in 4 diabetics have resorted to rationing their medication due to the lack of access to affordable insulin.
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act will ensure that Minnesotans with diabetes who cannot afford their insulin and are facing an emergency need can access a 30-day supply at their pharmacy for a co-pay of $35. Eligible Minnesotans include those who are uninsured, under-insured, receiving Medicare, and who do not have access to low co-pays. The legislation also streamlines the process by which Minnesotans can access affordable insulin in the long-term. Insulin manufacturers would participate in the program and could be fined up to $3.6 million a year, doubling in the second year, for non-compliance.
Alec’s Bill is the product of more than a year of work with patients, health care providers and other stakeholders. It has the backing of organizations representing patients, doctors, nurses and pharmacists, including the AARP, Minnesota Nurses Association, Minnesota Medical Association and Minnesota Pharmacists Association.
This milestone could not have been reached without a lot of hard work by a lot of people, but we especially want to recognize people like Alec’s parents James and Nicole, and all the other #insulin4all advocates who bravely told heartbreaking personal stories over and over. This legislation was inspired by and made possible by these courageous individuals.
The Legislature also approved a fourth COVID-19 relief package, which will provide workers, businesses, and families with flexibility, resources, and economic security. You can read more about the bill here.
Please contact our offices for help getting answers to your questions or getting connected to resources like Unemployment Insurance benefits, small business loans, child care, and health insurance. The best place to quickly find accurate and up-to-date information and get help is www.mn.gov/covid19.
Sincerely,
MAP Caucus Chair Samantha Vang (DFL – Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center)
Rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or 651-296-3709
MAP Caucus Vice Chair Kaohly Her (DFL- St. Paul)
Rep.kaohly.her@house.mn or 651-296-8799
Assistant Majority Leader Fue Lee (DFL – Minneapolis)
Rep.fue.lee@house.mn or 651-296-4262
Rep. Tou Xiong (DFL – Maplewood)
Rep.tou.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-7807
Rep. Jay Xiong (DFL- St. Paul)
Rep.jay.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-4201
Sen. Foung Hawj (DFL – St. Paul)
foungh@senate.mn or 651-296-5285