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St. Paul —The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program launched July 1, allowing Minnesotans in urgent need of insulin (less than a seven-day supply on hand) to access the life-saving drug through their pharmacy. The program – implemented by MNsure, the state’s health insurance marketplace, and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy – was created to help Minnesotans facing difficulty affording their insulin.

The Insulin Safety Net Program is made up of two parts. The first is 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. The second is 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.

“If you live in Minnesota and can’t afford your insulin, come to MNinsulin.org to see if you qualify for the Insulin Safety Net Program,” said MNSure CEO Nate Clark. “On MNinsulin.org, you can find details about the urgent need program and instructions on how to apply. You can also get help accessing affordable insulin year-round. MNsure has nearly 200 certified navigators located across the state who have been trained to help Minnesotans access affordable insulin through existing insulin manufacturer assistance programs. No Minnesotan should have to ration their insulin. Get help at MNinsulin.org today.”

“Access to affordable insulin is vital to Minnesotans who need it to manage diabetes. Nobody’s health should be in jeopardy because they have to ration or go without this life-sustaining medication,” said Cody Wiberg, executive director of the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. “Visit the Board of Pharmacy website (https://mn.gov/boards/pharmacy/insulinsafetynetprogram/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery) to learn more about the Board of Pharmacy’s role in the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program and find information about obtaining other medications at lower costs.”

Those eligible for the urgent need program must:

• Live in Minnesota;

• Have an urgent need for insulin;

• Have a current prescription for insulin;

• Pay more than $75 each month for their insulin prescription;

• Not be enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare; and

• Present a valid Minnesota ID card, driver’s license or permit, or tribal-issued ID to the pharmacy. For children under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide the pharmacy with their proof of residency

To apply, go to MNinsulin.org to print the application and bring the completed application to your local pharmacy. All pharmacies in Minnesota must participate.

If you are unable to print the application, ask your pharmacist to provide you with an “urgent need insulin application” to complete at the pharmacy.

If you have an ongoing need for affordable insulin, visit https://mninsulin.org/continuing-need/index.jsp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery#find-navigator for free help applying for the continuing need program through an insulin manufacturer’s patient assistance program. Go to MNinsulin.org to search for a navigator in your area.