On April 15, 2020, Governor Tim Walz signed into law the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act which created the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program. 

The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program launched July 1, 2020, allowing Minnesotans in urgent need of insulin to access the life-saving drug through their pharmacy. The program - implemented by MNsure and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy - was created to help Minnesotans facing difficulty affording their insulin. Full press release

The Insulin Safety Net Program is made up of two parts: 1) The urgent need program for eligible Minnesotans to receive a once-per-year 30-day supply of insulin immediately at their pharmacy for no more than a $35 copay; and 2) The continuing need program for eligible Minnesotans to receive up to a one-year supply of insulin for no more than $50 per 90-day refill. Interested individuals should visit MNinsulin.org to see if they qualify and learn how to apply. 

The statute also creates a role for MNsure-certified navigators to help individuals with applying for the continuing need program and receive compensation for the work. Navigators who wish to assist consumers with the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program can find all essential information on Assister Central: Navigator One Stop: /assister-central/navigator-one-stop/insulin-assistance-program/index.jspInsulin Assistance Program. 

Brokers: If a consumer needs assistance with obtaining affordable the following are some resources for you:

• MNInsulin.org  – website hosting application for emergency insulin assistance (site not live until July 1)
• Minnesota Board of Pharmacy website
• To locate a navigator who has been trained to provide insulin assistance, MNsure’s assister directory will have a search option available specifically for the insulin program
• The overall program, which begins July 1, allows eligible individuals to apply for an “urgent need” supply (30-days) of insulin with a valid prescription (the Urgent Need Insulin Safety Net Program). These eligible individuals can also apply for the Continuing Need Insulin Safety Net Program, which provides up to 12 months of insulin.
• The statute creates a role for MNsure-certified navigators to help individuals with applying for the continuing need program and receive compensation for the work. In order to participate, navigator agencies need to opt-in to the program by completing a contract amendment.
• More information on the program and how to participate is posted on Navigator One Stop under a new Insulin Assistance Program section where we will also provide future updates.