Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a groundbreaking settlement with insulin manufacturer Novo Nordisk, ensuring that all Minnesotans can access their insulin products for no more than $35 per month for the next five years. The settlement resolves a 2018 lawsuit that alleged Novo Nordisk deceptively priced its insulin products, creating sky-high costs for uninsured and underinsured Minnesotans who relied on this life-saving medication.
This historic agreement follows earlier settlements in 2024 with Eli Lilly and Sanofi, the other two defendants in the lawsuit. With this final resolution, Minnesotans can now purchase insulin from any of the three largest insulin manufacturers for just $35 per month—regardless of whether they have insurance. The Attorney General’s Office has also launched MNInsulin35.org to help Minnesotans navigate these new options for low-cost and free insulin.
Key Provisions of the Settlement with Novo Nordisk:
- $35 Monthly Cap: For the next five years, Minnesotans can purchase Novo Nordisk insulin products—including Novolog, Tresiba, Fiasp, and Novolin—at $35 per month per prescription (up to 3 vials or 2 packs of pens). This price is available for those paying cash, with or without insurance.
- Free Insulin for Low-Income Minnesotans: Novo Nordisk will continue its Patient Assistance Program, which provides free insulin to Minnesotans with household incomes up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level ($124,800 annually for a family of four).
- Patient Choice: Insured Minnesotans can choose to pay the $35 cash price instead of using their insurance if it offers a better deal.
- Texting Support System: Novo Nordisk will implement a texting system to help patients and pharmacists determine eligibility for low-cost insulin, ensuring patients are informed about their options at pharmacy counters across the state.
“Our litigation has had a huge impact on insulin prices,” Attorney General Ellison said. “In 2018, when we filed this lawsuit, it could cost hundreds of dollars for Minnesotans to fill their insulin prescriptions. As of today, it will cost just $35. My mission as Attorney General is to help Minnesotans afford their lives, and this settlement is a major step in the right direction.”
Impact on Minnesota and Beyond
This settlement addresses years of public outrage over the skyrocketing cost of insulin, which is critical for managing diabetes. Minnesota has been at the forefront of this fight, with state legislative efforts such as the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, named after a young man who tragically died after rationing his insulin due to its cost.
The agreement with Novo Nordisk aligns with President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which capped insulin costs at $35 per month for seniors on Medicare. Now, thanks to this settlement, Minnesotans of all ages and income levels can benefit from this same price cap.
Next Steps for Minnesotans
The Attorney General’s Office is committed to raising public awareness about these new options. In the coming months, the Office will work with state, local, and community partners to ensure that all Minnesotans know how to access affordable insulin. The website MNInsulin35.org provides detailed information on how to purchase insulin for $35 or obtain it for free based on income eligibility.
Additionally, the settlement underscores Novo Nordisk’s commitment to supporting Minnesotans who rely on insulin. By keeping prices affordable and implementing tools to improve access, the agreement ensures that everyone, regardless of insurance coverage or financial status, can manage their diabetes without fear of financial ruin.
Background on Insulin Pricing and Legal Efforts
Over the past decade, insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefits managers have faced growing scrutiny from state attorneys general and Congress over the rising cost of insulin. Insulin, first discovered over 100 years ago, has seen its prices skyrocket despite minimal changes to its manufacturing process.
Minnesota’s Attorney General’s Office has led the charge against these pricing practices, filing lawsuits in 2018 against Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi. These lawsuits exposed how list prices, known as the Wholesale Acquisition Cost, were set deceptively high, leaving uninsured and underinsured patients to bear the brunt of the costs.
In addition to securing these settlements, Attorney General Ellison and his team have vigorously defended other legislative measures designed to combat high drug prices. This includes the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act and price-gouging laws aimed at curbing the excessive costs of generic drugs.
“While our insulin lawsuits have been resolved, my Office’s work to make life more affordable for Minnesotans is far from over,” Ellison emphasized.
How to Get Help
Minnesotans struggling to afford their insulin or who have complaints about pricing are encouraged to reach out to the Attorney General’s Office. Consumers can contact the Office online, by phone at (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787, or through the Minnesota Relay at (800) 627-3529.
This final settlement with Novo Nordisk is a major victory for all Minnesotans, ensuring that no one has to choose between their health and their finances.