Minnesota Governor Signs Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday signed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act to provide relief to Minnesotans struggling to afford their insulin. The bill contains emergency and long-term components, which take effect on July 1, 2020.

The law is named for 26-year-old Alec Smith, who was unable to afford the $1,300 monthly cost of insulin and diabetes supplies and died rationing insulin after aging out of his parents’ insurance.

Under the legislation, eligible individuals in urgent need of insulin can go to their pharmacy once in a 12-month period and receive a one-time, 30-day supply of insulin for a $35 co-pay. There is an option for some applicants to receive a second 30-day supply in certain cases.

Manufacturers must reimburse pharmacies for the insulin they dispense or send them replacement insulin at no cost.

"Minnesotans should not die because they are forced to choose between putting food on the table and affording the drug they need to survive," Walz said in a statement.

"Despite resistance from the pharmaceutical industry, the grit and determination of Minnesotans with diabetes, Minnesotans who have lost loved ones with diabetes, and their legislators moved this bill forward. It is downright inspiring. This hard-fought law will provide much-needed relief to Minnesotans struggling to afford their insulin. We must continue to put Minnesotans first and ensure people don’t struggle to afford the care they need."

The long-term program requires manufacturers to provide insulin to eligible individuals for up to one year, with the option to renew annually. Insulin will be available in 90-day increments for a co-pay of no more than $50.

"My deepest thanks goes out to Governor Walz and the Minnesota legislature for working with us to move Alec’s bill forward. And I’m incredibly grateful for all of the advocates and supporters who have fought tirelessly to pass this legislation. Without them, we would not be here today," said Nicole Smith-Holt, whose son Alec died in 2017 from rationing his insulin.

"We still have a lot of work to do the ensure that every person with diabetes has access to affordable insulin, and this bill is a huge step forward towards reaching our ultimate goal of affordable, accessible insulin for all."

Over the last 10 years insulin manufacturers have tripled the price of insulin, and one in four diabetics report rationing the life-saving drug, according to Walz's office.

In 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health estimated that 7.8 percent, or around 330,000, Minnesotan adults had been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, with around 18,000 new cases being diagnosed each year.

"This insulin bill is a wonderful example of how Minnesotans can move politicians beyond partisan gridlock. Congratulations to all Minnesotans and a special thanks to the energized activists who, truly, made a difference," said Sen. Scott Jensen, the Senate author of the law.