Neighbors,
It’s another big week at the Capitol - Gov. Tim Walz has signed his first two bills which will fund the Minnesota License and Registrations system (MNLARS) and provide money for environmental and infrastructure project across the state. This is just a start of all the hard work needed at the legislature to put into action policies that will improve the lives of Minnesotans.
Minnesota Diabetes Advocacy Day and #Insulin4All Rally
Minnesotans have come forward to share painful personal stories about the consequences when they can’t afford their life-saving medication. The Minnesota House is taking action to hold pharmaceutical corporations accountable for prescription drug price gouging.
The parents of Alec Smith, who died when he was 26 because he couldn’t afford to pay $1,300 for his monthly supply of insulin, attended a rally today in support of Insulin For All. Following Alec’s death in 2017, his parents began telling their story to reporters, policymakers, and grassroots organizations in hopes of preventing the same tragedy from happening to anyone else.
People simply should not die because they can’t afford the insulin they need to survive. That’s why DFLers on the Commerce Committee on March 5 approved a comprehensive plan to address the skyrocketing cost of insulin. It includes the following components:
The Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act (HF 485) creates a means for Minnesotans who are unable to afford their insulin to get their prescription filled on a temporary basis. It also authorizes pharmacies to fill a temporary supply of insulin for patients whose prescriptions are out-of-date. Reimbursements for pharmacies would be paid through a fee on Big Pharma insulin manufacturers. I look forward to voting for htis bill when it comes before me on the floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
HF 289 is authored by Rep. Alice Mann, a physician who I am proud to serve with here at the legislature. This bill improves drug price transparency by requiring manufacturers of prescription drugs needed to treat diabetes, such as insulin, to publicly report any changes to their prices and provide justification for doing so.
I am a co-author of HF 288, which prohibits health insurers from removing coverage of insulin or equipment and supplies in the middle of an enrollee's contract year.
HF 284 authorizes the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health to review and determine whether manufacturers of insulin are forcing excessive cost increases upon Minnesotans. When necessary, reimbursements would be provided to Minnesotans who need insulin to stay alive.
Looking for another way to engage and stay up-to-date on the work going on in the Capitol? Follow the House’s podcast. This week co-hosts Jamie Long and Liz Olson interview Reps. Dave Pinto and Ruth Richardson about this session’s historic votes on gun violence prevention legislation (House Files 8 and 9). Subscribe and listen on iTunes, Stitcher, or soundcloud.com/mnValuesPod.
Please continue reaching out if you have any questions, comments or concerns. I enjoy hearing from you.
Tou Xiong
State Representative – District 53A |
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