Minnesota Agencies

The work group was convened to resolve differences between House and Senate proposals to address the cost and availability of insulin for people with diabetes.

The legislature discussed various proposals to address the prohibitive cost of insulin during the 2019 session and into the interim. A bipartisan, ad hoc group of legislators met for informal, closed-door discussions on the topic in the summer, but did not come to an agreement. This formal work group was established in October to continue those discussions.

The primary areas of discussion have been: whether and how to establish an emergency insulin program; how to connect diabetics with longer-term solutions for insulin access; and whether and how drug manufacturers should help fund the program.

Members include: Senators Michelle Benson, Eric Pratt, and Melissa Wiklund; Reps. Kurt Daudt, Mike Howard, and Tina Liebling; staff from Governor Walz' office; and DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead.