St. Paul, Minn.-- Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, an emergency insulin program accessible to the Minnesotans who need it most. The landmark legislation is named after Alec Smith, who lost his life because he could not afford his insulin. The legislation ensures that Minnesotans have access to affordable insulin if they face an emergency, with insulin manufacturers participating in the solution.
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.
Representative Kelly Morrison (DFL- Deephaven), a practicing physician, who worked to enact the bipartisan resolution on the House and Senate conference committee, voted in support of the legislation and released the following statement:
“I have so much gratitude and admiration Alec Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith-Holt, and all those who have advocated tirelessly for people with insulin-dependent diabetes. This legislation puts patients first and ensures Minnesotans can get the insulin they need at a price they can afford. I was honored to serve on the conference committee that reached bipartisan solutions, and will keep fighting for policies that ensure Minnesotans have access to the prescription medication they need to live and thrive.”
A copy of the legislation can be found here, and a video recording of the House floor session can be found on the House Public Information YouTube page. The legislation is expected to be passed by the Minnesota Senate and signed by Governor Walz.
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Representative Kelly Morrison represents House District 33B, which includes the cities of Deephaven, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Minnetonka Beach, Mound, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Spring Park, and Greenwood. Rep. Morrison encourages her constituents