SAINT PAUL – Today, the Minnesota House approved the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which will ensure emergency access to insulin for those who need it and help Minnesotans access affordable insulin in the long-term. The landmark legislation was named after a young Minnesotan who tragically passed away after rationing his insulin because he couldn’t afford a refill at his pharmacy.
“It’s inexcusable that any Minnesotan’s life should be put in jeopardy because they can’t afford to refill their prescription of a medication like insulin. The Alec Smith Act will help prevent tragedies like the one he and his family experienced,” said Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth), the House Majority Whip. “It’s been a difficult path to this point, and we could only approve this legislation following the relentless advocacy from Alec’s parents and other Minnesotans impacted by diabetes and the extraordinary cost of insulin.”
“For people with diabetes, insulin is as crucial to their life as air or water. I was proud to support Alec’s bill and I thank Nicole Smith-Holt, James Holt, and everyone else who has shared the urgency with lawmakers to reach this milestone,” said Rep. Jen Schultz (DFL – Duluth). “The legislation we passed today will give hope for a better future to Minnesotans with diabetes, and we will continue working to hold Big Pharma accountable and reduce the price of prescription drugs.”
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act will ensure that Minnesotans 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. 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.
Lawmakers also approved another package of legislation to aid in the state’s response to COVID-19 – the fourth since the pandemic emerged – which contains several proposals to provide needed flexibility and assistance to Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill helps Minnesotans execute wills, allows local governments to meet remotely, suspends certain deadlines and expiration dates, allows marriage applications to be submitted without the need to appear in person, expands use of telemedicine, gives the Department of Health authority to set up alternative health care facilities, and more. A copy of the legislation can be found here.
The COVID-19 section of the Minnesota House webpage has information about the legislation to date and links to helpful resources for Minnesotans.