SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House is expected to approve the Health and Human Services budget today. House Democrats’ HHS budget would help ensure that all Minnesotans can access the high-quality, affordable health care they deserve. It makes prescription drugs more affordable, expands coverage options, and ensures care remains available for all Minnesotans. To address high premiums, Minnesotans who purchase their health insurance through a private plan in the individual market would receive a 20 percent direct premium discount.
“Putting consumers and patients back in the driver’s seat and money back in Minnesotans’ pockets continues to be my commitment to our community,” said Representative Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove). “It is always about putting people and families first.”
The House DFL’s HHS budget takes bold action to ensure Minnesotans can access the medications they count on.
Representative Bahner is the chief author of legislation that would allow pharmacists to fill emergency prescriptions, like insulin, without a prescription. This proposal has been incorporated into the DFL Health and Human Services Budget. Her proposal also allows patients and guardians for aging parents, vulnerable adults, and young children to sync their medication refills once each year at no cost to ease the burden on seniors, families, and consumers.
The House HHS budget incorporates work of the House Early Childhood Division, including measures to strengthen child care for Minnesota families. It also includes funding for home visits that deliver much-needed support for new mothers and at-risk families in a way that puts children first, another proposal championed by Rep. Bahner.
“Conducting home visits serves as a resource for new mothers, in addition to ensuring new babies are in a safe and nurturing environment,” Rep. Bahner commented.
A fact sheet with more information is available for download here.
After the Minnesota Senate approves their Health and Human Services budget, lawmakers from each chamber will form a conference committee to reach agreement on a final budget.
###