Urgent need program
The urgent need program allows eligible individuals who are in urgent need of insulin to get a one-time, 30-day supply of insulin from their pharmacy, for a $35 co-pay. An urgent need for insulin means that you have less than a 7-day supply of insulin and you will likely have significant health consequences if you run out of insulin.
Who qualifies for the urgent need program?
To be eligible for this program you must:
- Live in Minnesota.
- Have an urgent need for insulin.
- Have a current prescription for insulin.
- Pay more than $75 each month for your insulin.
- Not be enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.
- Present identification proving Minnesota residency in the form of a valid Minnesota identification card, driver’s license or permit, or tribal-issued identification. If you don't have one of these but you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can provide that instead. If you are a minor under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide the pharmacy with proof of residency or an ITIN.
You can normally access an urgent-need insulin supply only once in a 12-month period. However, if you are waiting for your Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare coverage to begin, or if you have been determined ineligible for a manufacturer’s patient assistance program by the manufacturer and are waiting for the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy’s decision on an appeal, you may be eligible to access a second 30-day supply.
To get longer-term help covering your insulin costs, see if you qualify for the continuing need program.
How to apply
1. Fill out an application
Complete the application form by downloading this PDF file to your computer. Open the file and follow the instructions. If you are not able to print or download this form, please ask your pharmacist for the "urgent need insulin application."
2. Take it to your pharmacy
Take your completed application form to your pharmacy with valid identification and insulin prescription.
3. Get your insulin
If you qualify for the urgent need program, you can receive your insulin immediately, but you will need to pay up to a $35 co-pay to receive your 30-day supply.