ST PAUL, Minn. — State lawmakers have reached a major milestone in their efforts to establish an affordable insulin program.
On Wednesday, the DFL-controlled House was scheduled to vote on an insulin bill that would create an emergency insulin access program. The lead author of the bill, Rep. Michael Howard, says the latest version of the bill includes changes that reflect ongoing discussions with the GOP-controlled Senate.
“We’ve included the Medicare population, and we’ve also included a cap on copays of insulin at $30 for those who have insurance in that market,” Howard said.
But DFL leaders acknowledged they still need to bridge a gap between the two parties on how they’ll pay for the cost of the emergency program, with Democrats wanting drug manufacturers contributing to the fund.
“This is not about punishing the drug companies. This is about holding drug manufacturers accountable for their part in not just creating a crisis, but profiting richly from it,” Howard said.
Despite that proposal being a sticking point for Republicans, Sen. Scott Jensen, author of the Senate version of the bill, said he believes the two sides will reach a compromise on the program’s funding. When asked by KARE 11’s Karla Hult on whether he was open to a plan that would “call for drug companies to pay some part of the emergency fund,” Jensen responded: “Yes. I am open to that.”
Jensen emphasized the two sides strongly disagree on how much the drug companies should contribute, but the medical doctor said they’re committed to finding a compromise for the sake of Minnesotans.
“I think the most important thing is if we get an agreement on everything except some of the specifics on the funding. I think we’re going to get it done for Minnesota,” he said.
Insulin advocates respond
And that’s welcome news to those Minnesotans who say they’ve lost – or sacrificed – because of the high cost of insulin.
“He died from rationing his insulin because he couldn’t afford it,” said Nicole Smith-Holt with MNInsulin4All about her son, Alec Smith, after whom the House legislation is named.
“Lives are at stake every single day, there’s a life that is at stake,” she said.
Maria Isa Perez-Hedges agrees.
“My life depends on insulin,” she said, adding that, “I’ve had to ration my insulin in the past, and I hope I never have to face that nightmare ever again.”