A bill signed in April by Gov. Tim Walz provides a one-time, 30-day supply of insulin for eligible residents who need help paying for their medication went into effect July 1, 2020.
Under the legislation, residents who are unable to afford insulin can receive their medication once in a 12-month period for a $35 copay.
Called the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, the bill contains both an emergency and a long-term provision for diabetics who are unable to pay for their treatment. Through this insulin assistance program, an eligible person can go to their pharmacy once in a 12-month period and get a one-time, 30-day supply of insulin for a $35 copay. However, some applicants, depending upon their circumstance, can receive a second 30-day supply of insulin.
In an April press release Gov. Waltz said, “Minnesotans must not die because they are forced to choose between putting food on the table and affording the drug they need to survive. Despite resistance from the pharmaceutical industry, the grit and determination of Minnesotans with diabetes, Minnesotans who have lost loved ones with diabetes, and their legislators moved this bill forward. It is downright inspiring. This hard fought law will provide much needed relief to Minnesotans struggling to afford their insulin. We must continue to put Minnesotans first and ensure people don’t struggle to afford the care they need.”
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