State lawmakers on both sides disappointed by insulin lawsuit; AG Ellison vows to fight suit

State lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are disappointed that a group representing pharmaceutical manufacturers is challenging a new law that aims to give Minnesotans access to an affordable 30-day supply of insulin. The Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act takes effect today and allows those who are uninsured, under-insured or on Medicare to receive a 30-day supply of insulin for $35. On Tuesday, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming the law is unconstitutional. Minneapolis Representative Carlos Mariani calls the lawsuit “shameful” and adds that “the people’s body, the legislature across party lines came to a very difficult agreement and I believe that all citizens and all individuals and corporations should respect the work of our Democratic institutions.” Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says Senate Republicans “remain committed to providing emergency insulin for those in crisis no matter what happens with this poorly timed lawsuit.” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says with the lawsuit “Big Pharma is telling Minnesotans that their obscene profits come before your lives.” Ellison says it’s his job to defend the law in court and he will “defend it with every resource we have.”