Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced a settlement with insulin manufacturer Novo Nordisk. This agreement ensures that all Minnesotans, regardless of insurance status, can purchase Novo Nordisk’s insulin products for $35 per month over the next five years. The settlement resolves a 2018 lawsuit where the Attorney General accused Novo Nordisk of deceptive pricing practices for insulin, impacting uninsured and underinsured residents.
In 2024, similar agreements were reached with Eli Lilly and Sanofi, the other two companies involved in the lawsuit. As a result, Minnesotans now have access to insulin from the three major manufacturers at a reduced cost. Information on how to access these benefits is available at MNInsulin35.org.
The settlement mandates that Novo Nordisk offer its insulin products—such as Novolog, Tresiba, Fiasp, and Novolin—at $35 per monthly prescription for cash-paying customers. Insured individuals may also opt to pay this amount instead of using their insurance.
Novo Nordisk will introduce a texting system to help pharmacists and patients verify eligibility for low-cost insulin and inform them about this option at pharmacies statewide. Additionally, Novo Nordisk will continue its Patient Assistance Program offering free insulin to those with household incomes up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Attorney General Ellison remarked on the impact of this litigation: “Our litigation has had a huge impact on insulin prices... My mission as Attorney General is to help Minnesotans afford their lives.”
Efforts are underway by the Attorney General’s Office to increase public awareness about these low-cost options through collaboration with local partners and an informative website. With this resolution against Novo Nordisk, affordable or free insulin is now accessible from any of the top three manufacturers.
Ellison emphasized consumer choice: “With this final insulin settlement, we have guaranteed that Minnesotans can not only obtain and afford their insulin but they can choose between manufacturers and insulin products.”
This settlement aligns with President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 which capped Medicare recipients' out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 monthly—a benefit now extended statewide in Minnesota.
Beyond these lawsuits, Ellison’s office continues supporting legislative measures against high drug prices and defends acts like the Alec Smith Insulin Act against industry challenges. He expressed gratitude towards state partners and residents whose support was crucial in achieving this outcome.
Consumers experiencing issues related to their insulin are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office via phone or online.