SAINT PAUL – Today, the Minnesota House approved the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which will improve 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 tragic that in our country, Alec and others have had to lose their lives simply because they could not afford to refill their supply of insulin. After this bill becomes law, those in an emergency will finally have a way to access an affordable emergency refill,” said Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing). “The advocacy from Nicole Smith-Holt, James Holt, and other Minnesotans with diabetes or those with family members who do has been inspiring throughout this whole process, and I was honored to vote for this important legislation today.”
The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act will help eligible Minnesotans who cannot afford their insulin and are facing an emergency need to access a 30-day supply at their pharmacy for a co-pay of $35. 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 today 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.