Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program 2026–27: $35 Urgent Supply and the Continuing Need Program
Updated: 4 days ago
If you're running low on insulin in Minnesota and can't afford the refill, state law gives you two options. You can get a 30-day supply at your pharmacy for no more than $35 if you're in urgent need, and you can sign up for year-long help with a copay capped at $50 per 90-day supply. Both come from the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which Minnesota passed in 2020.
This guide covers who qualifies, what to bring to the pharmacy, and what to do if a pharmacy or manufacturer says no.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Read how we verify guides in our Editorial Standards.
This is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you're out of insulin and feel sick, get medical care right away.
Which Program Do You Need?
You have less than a week of insulin left → Urgent Need Program. Go to a pharmacy today.
You need affordable insulin month after month → Continuing Need Program. Apply at least a couple of weeks before you run out.
Both apply? Use urgent need now, and start the continuing need application the same week.
The Urgent Need Program
What you get. MNinsulin says eligible people can get a one-time, 30-day supply from their pharmacy for a co-pay of up to $35. If you qualify, you can get the insulin immediately.
What "urgent need" means. MNinsulin defines it as having less than a 7-day supply of insulin and being likely to have significant health consequences if you run out.
Who qualifies. You must:
pay more than $75 a month for your insulin;
not be enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare; and
show proof of Minnesota residency.
Accepted ID. A valid Minnesota ID card, driver's license or permit, or tribal-issued ID. If you have none of these but have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), you can use that. For a minor under 18, a parent or legal guardian provides the proof.
How often. Normally once in a 12-month period. MNinsulin says you may get a second 30-day supply if:
you're waiting for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare coverage to start; or
a manufacturer found you ineligible for its patient assistance program and you're waiting on the Board of Pharmacy's decision on your appeal.
What to Bring to the Pharmacy
The completed urgent need application form. Download it from mninsulin.org, or ask the pharmacist for the "urgent need insulin application." MNinsulin says you must bring a completed paper form. You can't apply online.
Valid ID (see above).
Your insulin prescription, or make sure the pharmacy has it on file.
Money for the copay, up to $35.
Can the Pharmacy Say No?
MNinsulin says all community and outpatient pharmacies in Minnesota must participate, including chains, independents, and some hospital outpatient pharmacies.
A pharmacist may refuse only if:
they believe filling it could harm you (they should contact your prescriber to resolve it);
the insulin isn't in stock (they should help you find another nearby pharmacy that has it, when possible); or
the application isn't filled out and signed correctly. Pharmacy staff can help you fix it.
If you're refused, go to another pharmacy. You can also file a complaint with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy: (651) 201-2825 or pharmacy.board@state.mn.us.
What's Not Covered
MNinsulin says most insulins from community pharmacies are covered. It lists these exceptions:
a few insulins used only in hospitals;
products from smaller insulin manufacturers; and
relatively inexpensive insulins that pharmacies can usually buy for less than $8 per milliliter.
The Continuing Need Program
What you get. MNinsulin says insulin manufacturers must provide insulin to eligible people for up to one year, renewable every year, at a copay of no more than $50 per 90-day supply.
Who qualifies. You must:
show proof of Minnesota residency (same ID rules as above);
have family income at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines;
not be enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare;
not be eligible for health care through most federally funded programs; and
not be eligible for VA prescription drug benefits.
Medicare Part D. MNinsulin says you can qualify if you've spent $1,000 on prescription drugs in the current calendar year and meet the other rules.
Have insurance? You may still qualify. But if your out-of-pocket cost for a 30-day supply is $75 or less (including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles), MNinsulin says you're not eligible.
How to Apply
The continuing need program works through each manufacturer's patient assistance program. The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy has information on each one, with links. You can apply through:
your prescriber, if they agree to help; or
a MNsure-certified navigator. MNinsulin says navigators are experts at local, trusted community organizations.
Finding a navigator: In the MNsure Assister Directory, set "Assister Type" to "navigator" and check "Certified for Insulin Program Assistance." Search by ZIP code and pick a mile radius. Some navigators help only by phone or online.
After You're Approved
Give your pharmacy the statement of eligibility from the manufacturer and your prescription (unless it's already on file). MNinsulin says in some cases the insulin is shipped directly to your home.
If you have insurance with a copay, the manufacturer may decide its copay assistance program is a better deal for you. In that case, it must give you coupons to lower or eliminate your copay at the pharmacy.
If the Manufacturer Says No
MNinsulin says you can ask the Board of Pharmacy to review a manufacturer's decision that you're not eligible for its Minnesota continuing need program. This review doesn't apply to other manufacturer programs.
Documents Checklist
Minnesota ID, driver's license or permit, tribal ID, or ITIN
Insulin prescription
Completed urgent need application (paper)
Proof of income for continuing need (pay stubs, tax return, or benefit letters; ask your navigator what the manufacturer wants)
Insurance card and a recent pharmacy receipt or statement showing your out-of-pocket cost
For Medicare Part D: proof of $1,000 spent on prescriptions this calendar year
Common Mistakes
Waiting until you're completely out. Urgent need starts when you have under 7 days left. Don't wait for zero.
Showing up without the paper form. It can't be done online.
Using urgent need twice without a reason. It's normally once per 12 months.
Skipping continuing need after the urgent supply. Start it right away. MNinsulin says to begin at least a couple of weeks before you run out.
Assuming insurance disqualifies you. It depends on your out-of-pocket cost.
Giving up after one pharmacy refuses. Try another and file a complaint if needed.
FAQ
How much does urgent need insulin cost? Up to a $35 co-pay for a 30-day supply.
How much does continuing need insulin cost? No more than $50 for each 90-day supply.
I'm on MinnesotaCare. Can I use these programs? No. MNinsulin says people enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare don't qualify.
Can I apply online for urgent need? No. Take the completed paper form to your pharmacy.
Who else can help? Your county social services department, or a MNsure-certified navigator. The Minnesota Department of Human Services keeps a directory of county and tribal human services offices.
Related Guides
Sources
MNinsulin, Urgent Need Insulin Safety Net Program: https://mninsulin.org/urgent-need/
MNinsulin, Urgent Need FAQ: https://www.mnsure.com/mninsulin/urgent-need/urgent-need-faq.jsp
MNinsulin, Continuing Need Insulin Safety Net Program: https://mninsulin.org/continuing-need/
MNinsulin, Continuing Need FAQ: https://www.mninsulin.org/continuing-need/continuing-need-faq.jsp
Minnesota Statutes, Section 151.74: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/151.74
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