Minnesota Attorney General Ellison to give update on insulin lawsuit

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s hosted a press conference Wednesday where he announced a major development in the lawsuit against insulin manufacturers. He has reached a settlement with Eli Lilly that guarantees all Minnesotans, with or without insurance, can buy the company’s insulin products for $35 per month for the next five years.

“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. This landmark settlement ensures that insulin will be affordable and accessible to every Minnesotan who needs it.”

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison

An additional point in the settlement states that Eli Lilly will donate free insulin to fulfill the needs of 15 clinics throughout Minnesota that serve those in need. That is also for a period of five years.

The five-year period begins now and Eli Lilly is required to provide insulin products at $35 per monthly prescription for customers paying with cash. Minnesotans with insurance can choose to not use their insurance and pay no more than $35 per month.

This settlement has been 6 years in the making since the initial lawsuit was filed in 2018. According to the Attorney General’s press release, when the lawsuit first began, five packs of Basaglar Kwikpens cost over $390 and five-packs of Humalog Kwikpens cost over $630.

The Attorney General was joined by Nicole Smith-Holt, whose son Alec passed away after he rationed his insulin due to the high cost.

“My family and myself are very grateful to the Attorney General’s Office for all the time and hard work they have directed towards the insulin price crisis here in Minnesota. We feel very fortunate that Keith and his team understand just how important this issue is. 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, this program is one more opportunity in Minnesota for diabetics to get affordable insulin.”

Nicole Smith-Holt

Minnesotans should visit MNinsulin35.org to learn how to get Eli Lilly insulin products for just $35 per month. MNinsulin35.org will be updated to include the 15 clinics providing free insulin as soon as that information is available.

This settlement resolves the lawsuit against Eli Lilly. The Attorney General’s fight against the other two defendants, Sanofi–Aventis and Novo Nordisk, is still ongoing.

The Attorney General’s Office encourages people with complaints about their insulin to contact the Office online or by phone at (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787, or at (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).