It has been almost a year since talks on an insulin affordability bill in the Minnesota Legislature collapsed at the last minute. Ever since then, legislators on both sides of the aisle have been saying, “We should DO something about this!” They said it throughout the summer, and throughout the fall as they continued to founder on partisan issues like whether the pharmaceutical companies who have boosted insulin prices to astronomical levels should have to pay some of their profits to those who now cannot afford their life-saving medicine.

The insulin issue has been taking a back seat to COVID-19, though diabetics are among those most at risk of serious complications and dying if they contract it. Now, with many of them out of work due to the shutdown, the danger to them grows.

But finally, the Legislature has agreed on a plan to provide low cost insulin to those who can’t afford the full price.

Under the deal announced Tuesday, diabetics who are within seven days of running out of insulin and unable to afford out-of-pocket prescription costs of $75 or more could obtain a 30-day supply at a pharmacy for a $35 copay. Insulin manufacturers would provide reimbursements or replace stockpiles that pharmacies distribute as part of the program.

The Legislature is set to vote next week on the deal, reached by a Senate and House conference committee.

If it gets passed next week, it will be well past due.