Republicans in the Minnesota Senate roll out their plan this morning (1030am) to address the high cost of insulin, even as Democrats push for a state-run assistance program partially funded by fees on drug manufacturers. House Speaker, Democrat Melissa Hortman contends:
“This is not a complex product to produce. It’s a life-saving product. People’s lives are dependent on being able to access affordable insulin, and so the pharmaceutical industry has a responsibility to participate.”
Republicans have said the end of the insulin price crunch is in sight after several large H-M-O’s took steps to limit out-of-pocket costs for their members. Hortman responds:
“We have to look at the population that is not insured, and those who will not be using those insurance programs that have recently been announced.”