Getting insulin is a matter of life or death for many people living with diabetes in Michigan. New legislation has passed to make an emergency insulin supply available to those who need it.
Senate Bill 155 allows pharmacists to use their discretion to give emergency insulin to those who may have an expired prescription, with some limitations. Senate Bill 156 requires insurance to pay for the emergency insulin.
The emergency insulin bills are being praised by pharmacists. Ed Saleh of the Arab American Pharmacist Association said, “The bill provides access to lifesaving drugs to Michiganders most prone to experiencing emergency health crisis. A diabetic emergency can not wait till your doctor’s office reopens on Monday morning.”
Fellow pharmacist Sammy Salem remarked, “Your community pharmacist is the most accessible provider of healthcare. Allowing them to provide insulin when the patient needs it most saves Michigan healthcare costs and Michiganders’ lives.”
The bill was sponsored by Senator Kevin Daley who called the bills a safety net for diabetics who need the medication to survive.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
