Dear Neighbors,
With all the discussion of diabetes and the cost of insulin at the Capitol in recent months, I wanted to pass along some information that you may find helpful if you use insulin, as well as an update on the Coon Rapids-Andover Little League team and a brief back-to-school reminder!
Insulin Costs
A recent piece in the Star Tribune written by the president of the National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council outlined some resources that are currently available to help people with the cost of insulin. First, he suggests that patients talk to their health care providers about receiving samples to bridge a short-term gap, or transitioning to a lower cost insulin.
Because of federal restrictions on how manufacturers communicate about their assistance programs, they often can’t advertise them, so the National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council lists many of these programs on their website: ndvlc.org/reduce. Also, Medica and UCare recently both announced that they would cap insulin costs at $25 dollars per month.
Additionally, many community hospitals and clinics provide low- or no-cost insulin to underinsured patients. Walmart provides insulin without a prescription for about $25 per vial, and discount programs like GoodRx, InsideRx, and Blink Health can drastically reduce the price of insulin as well.
No one should die because they couldn’t afford their insulin. You can read the Star Tribune piece here.
Coon Rapids-Andover Little League Team
Even though the Little League World Series didn’t end how we all wanted it to, I want to congratulate the team and their coaches for their great season. You’ve represented Minnesota well, and your community is proud of you!
Back To School
The beginning of the school year is right around the corner! As you stock up on school supplies, remember to save your receipts in order to take advantage of Minnesota’s tax credits and subtractions for education expenses. You can check the Department of Revenue’s website (www.revenue.state.mn.us) to determine which expenses qualify.
Please Contact Me
As always, I encourage you to please contact me with any questions or input by phone at 651-296-4231 or by email at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Peggy