ST PAUL, Minn. — Editor's note: The video above first aired on July 1, 2020, when Minnesota's Insulin Affordability Act took effect.
A lawsuit filed against a major insulin manufacturer in 2018 has been settled by the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, promising stable prices for Minnesotans living with diabetes.
Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the settlement with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly Wednesday, with the news Minnesotans will be able to purchase insulin for $35 per month for at least the next five years. As part of the deal, Elli Lilly will also provide insulin supplies free of charge for 15 clinics that serve low-income patients.
“No one should ever have to choose between affording their lives and affording to live — but the skyrocketing, unconscionably high cost of insulin has forced too many people into that terrible choice, sometimes with tragic results,” Ellison said in a written statement. “This landmark settlement ensures that insulin will be affordable and accessible to every Minnesotan who needs it."
The AG's office filed suit against Eli Lilly, Sanofi–Aventis and Novo Nordisk back in 2018, accusing the three insulin manufacturers of deceptively pricing their insulin products, requiring both insured and uninsured and Minnesotans to pay "astronomically high out-of-pocket costs" based on the list price of the insulin.
“We feel very fortunate that Keith and his team understand just how important this issue is," said Nicole Smith-Holt, whose son Alec died of diabetic ketoacidosis after he was forced to ration his insulin due to its high cost. "With this settlement, so many more people who require insulin to stay healthy and alive will have better access to affordable insulin. Far too often, I hear of people like Alec who are rationing and risking their health and their lives."
Eli Lilly released a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying the settlement builds on the company's "longstanding and industry leading efforts to close gaps in the U.S. healthcare system and expand access to affordable insulin."
"After five years of litigation, Lilly has entered a non-monetary settlement with the State of Minnesota that fully resolves one of the longest-running insulin pricing lawsuits and reinforces our commitment to ensuring that Minnesotans have affordable access to Lilly’s insulins," the statement reads.
While the settlement announced Wednesday ends litigation with Eli Lilly, legal action continues against Sanofi–Aventis and Novo Nordisk.
To purchase insulin for $35 per month, Minnesotans must visit the Eli Lilly website to download or print a savings card.
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