Group Plans Rally Over Insulin Costs At State Capitol
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Saturday rally planned at the state Capitol aims to call attention to the soaring cost of diabetes drugs.
The American Diabetes Association says nearly 7 1/2 million Americans who use insulin to control diabetes saw the price triple from 2002 to 2013.
Nicole Smith-Holt of Richfield is one who wants stronger regulation of pharmaceutical companies. She plans to speak at the rally, telling about her son's death. Twenty-six-year-old Alec Smith died because he couldn't afford insulin.
State Rep. Erin Murphy authored a bill in Smith's name authorizing the state to buy bulk insulin at a discount and make it available to diabetes patients with emergency needs. However, the bill won't get a vote this session.
Saturday's rally is being coordinated by the advocacy group Right Care Alliance.
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