Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program
Quick Links to Information
Urgent Need Program
Minnesotans in
urgent need of a 30-day supply of affordable insulin should go to
MNinsulin.org where you can see if you qualify, download the application, and learn how to apply.
Continuing Need Program
You can find information about the Insulin Safety Net program for Minnesotans, including how to receive up to a 90-day, continuing need supply of insulin here:
Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program: Information for Patients
If you would like assistance, a list of MNsure-certified Navigators who can assist in applying for the continuing need program is available here:
Navigator Insulin Assistance Directory. You can also search for a MNsure-certified Navigator on
MNinsulin.org.
For your convenience, the contact information for insulin manufacturers is listed below. You can use this contact information to find out more about each manufacturer’s specific continuing needs program.
Eligibility Review Process if a manufacturer determines you are not eligible for the MN Insulin Safety Net continuing need program.
If you have
applied with a manufacturer for the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net continuing need program and
were denied by the manufacturer, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy offers you an opportunity to ask the Board to review your eligibility.
You can obtain an Eligibility Review form by following this link.
About the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program
In 2020, the Minnesota Legislature passed the
Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which Governor Tim Walz signed into law on April 15, 2020. The Act creates an Insulin Safety Net Program that will aid individuals who can’t afford insulin. The program is made up of two parts: 1) the urgent need program, and 2) the continuing need program.
The urgent need program allows eligible individuals who are in urgent need of insulin to get a one-time, 30-day supply of insulin from their pharmacy, for a $35 co-pay. An urgent need for insulin means that you have less than a 7-day supply of insulin and you will likely have significant health consequences if you run out of insulin.
The continuing need program requires insulin manufacturers to provide insulin to eligible individuals for up to one year, with the option to renew annually. Throughout the year you are determined eligible, the manufacturers will provide your prescribed insulin for a co-pay of no more than $50 for each 90-day supply. Some individuals with insurance may be referred to a manufacturer’s co-pay program, which waives all or part of the co-pay that the patient normally has to pay, if the co-pay program provides you a better value.
Information for Individuals Who Need Insulin
The Board has prepared a document that provides detailed information about the program for individuals who need insulin. It contains information concerning: who is eligible for the program; how to apply; how to obtain insulin; how much insulin can be obtained; co-pays; and how to request a review if a manufacturer denies a person’s application. Click this link to access the document:
Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program: Information for Patients
IMPORTANT: To apply for the program, visit
MNinsulin.org to download an application for the urgent need program and to find contact information for trained MNSure navigators who can help individuals apply for the continuing need program. A list of MNsure-certified navigators who can assist in applying for the continuing need program is available here:
Navigator Assistance Directory.
If you or someone you care for used the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program at some point since July 2020, please consider completing the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program Survey. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and is optional. Additional information about the survey and the ability to receive a possible incentive are contained within the survey. To begin the survey, click
here or call (651) 280-2712 to complete the survey over the phone.
Information for Pharmacists and Pharmacies
The Board has prepared a document that answers questions that the Board anticipates receiving from pharmacists and pharmacies. It contains information concerning: who is eligible for the program; how patients apply; the role of pharmacies in dispensing insulin; how much insulin can be dispensed at one time; co-pays; how pharmacies are reimbursed – or how manufacturers replace stock; and more. Click this link to access the document:
Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program (Program): Frequently Asked Questions for Pharmacies
Guidance
Minnesota Statutes §214.108 allows the Board of Pharmacy to offer guidance to licensees about the application of the statutes and rules that the Board enforces. Such guidance is not binding in any court or other adjudicatory body. At its May 20, 2020 meeting the Board adopted a Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program Guidance that provides interpretations and recommendations concerning Minn. Stats. §151.74, which established the program. Some of the comments in the guidance are recommendations that do not have the force of law and that do not have to be followed. However, some of them do state the actual requirements of the statutes. Click this link to access the document:
Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program Guidance
This page may be updated. Please check back periodically for updates.
