Expand Emergency Insulin Access

 

The primary purpose of this bill is to prevent life-threatening interruptions in insulin access by allowing licensed

pharmacists to dispense a 30-day emergency supply when a prescription has expired or the prescriber cannot be reached.

 

Insulin is a life-sustaining medication that people with diabetes, especially type 1, cannot miss without experiencing

serious health risks such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), coma, or death. Patients without insurance, as well as those

unable to afford or access timely medical appointments, may experience prescription lapses that put them at severe risk.

Minnesota currently operates the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Program, which provides long-term, low-cost or free

insulin. A one-time emergency 30-day supply ensures safety during the gap between an expired prescription and entry into

an assistance program.

 

1. “Insulin” - any formulation approved by FDA for diabetes treatment

2. “Emergency refill” - a one time 30-day supply of insulin dispensed when interruption of therapy would place the

patient at medical risk

3. “Pharmacist” - an individual licensed by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy

4. “Medically necessary” - deemed compulsory by a pharmacist based on patient history and their professional judgement

5. “Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Program” - Minnesota’s existing program offering free or low-cost insulin to

uninsured or underinsured residents who meet the eligibility criteria

 

A licensed pharmacist is authorized to dispense a 30-day emergency supply of insulin when a patient has a prior history

of an insulin prescription, the prescription has expired or has no remaining refills, and the prescriber cannot be

reached after reasonable effort. No individual may be refused an emergency supply due to inability to pay, and uninsured

patients shall receive the emergency insulin at no charge. Emergency insulin may be dispensed no more than once every

twelve months per insulin type unless extraordinary circumstances are documented by the pharmacist. Upon dispensing to

an uninsured patient, the pharmacist must also provide information and assistance regarding enrollment in Minnesota’s

Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Program to ensure long-term access to insulin. The pharmacist shall document the

quantity dispensed, the circumstances requiring the emergency refill, and all attempts to contact the prescriber, and

must notify the prescriber within seventy-two hours.

 

The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy shall administer and enforce the provisions established. Violations may result in

written warnings, corrective actions, or administrative penalties consistent with existing rules.

 

If passed, the provisions of this act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.