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.
Representative Kristin Bahner (DFL- Maple Grove), who serves on the Health and Human Services Policy Committee, voted in support of the legislation and released the following statement:
“Minnesotans shouldn’t lose their lives because they can’t afford the lifesaving medications they need. As the sister of a Type-1 diabetic, I understand the daily sacrifices and precautions these brave individuals are already making to survive. Cost shouldn’t be another thing they have to worry about.”
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.
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 Kristin Bahner represents House District 34B, which includes the cities of Maple Grove and Osseo. Rep. Bahner encourages her constituents to share input and ideas with her at the Capitol anytime at 651-296-5502 or at rep.kristin.bahner@house.mn. She invites constituents to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ her official Facebook Page at facebook.com/RepKristinBahner/.