MN Legislature passes emergency insulin bill

The Minnesota Legislature today passed HF 3100, the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. The emergency insulin assistance program was named in honor of MAPE member Nicole Smith-Holt’s son who died after rationing his insulin because he couldn’t afford his $1,300 monthly prescription.

The Alec Smith insulin Affordability Act will ensure that Minnesota diabetics 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 do not have access to low co-pays.

Local 601’s Jason Broberg, a regulatory investigator for the Dept. of Commerce, recently testified in favor of the legislation. He was diagnosed three years ago with Type 1 Diabetes at age 40. Broberg, who also serves on MAPE’s Political Council, admits that as a MAPE member he has not had difficulty affording his insulin and other supplies.

“This legislation is literally life saving for diabetics not as fortunate, and most aren’t, who find themselves in a situation where they can’t afford exorbitantly-priced medication. It seems to me that people who have the same disease that I have don’t have to die from it due to corporate greed,” Broberg said

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.

The cost of insulin has tripled in the past decade. At least two more Minnesotans have died from insulin rationing since last year’s legislative session. Studies indicate that one in four diabetics have resorted to rationing their medication due to the lack of access to affordable insulin.

“At the end of the day, this bill gets insulin into the hands of diabetics who need it,” Broberg said.