In contrast, the Senate’s plan to address healthcare costs is to cut Minnesota Care, which over half a million Minnesota rely on for essential care for doctor visits and dental care. Additionally, the Senate proposes to give hundreds of millions of dollars in unsustainable giveaways to the insurance companies with the hopes that they lower insurance rates for consumers. This is not a fiscally responsible solution to achieve what Minnesotans need and deserve: affordable and accessible health care.
Last week, the House took bold action to reduce soaring prescription drug costs. Legislation I’ve co-sponsored, and have been diligently working on since session convened, would crack down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), who act as a “middle man” between drug manufacturers and pharmacies that develop and maintain lists of covered drugs (formularies) that they offer to pharmacies.
PBMs rake in billions of dollars in profits each year without creating any real value for consumers, which contribute to soaring prescription drug costs and threaten economic security for everyone. The bill approved last week creates new rules for PBMs that improve transparency and accountability. For example, the bill would require PBMs to be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which would have the ability to suspend, revoke, or place a PBM on probation. Under the bill, PBMs would be obligated to notify health carriers whenever an activity presents a conflict of interest, and to look out for the financial interests of their customers by seeking out deals that provide the lowest price. PBMs would also be required to make annual reports to the Dept. of Commerce, and to present cost and payment information when requested.
Click here to watch video of my colleague Rep. Mann talk about the bill and what’s at stake for Minnesotans facing soaring prescription drug costs. You can watch my take on the legislation here.
A House/Senate conference committee convened to sort minor differences with the Republican Senate’s companion legislation and I’m pleased to report they have come to a compromise. You can read more about it here.
Securing our Elections
As the Vice-Chair of the Elections Committee, I’ve been following the state’s efforts in securing election infrastructure against cyber threats. Before we began our work in January, there was bipartisan, bicameral consensus on prioritizing passage of legislation that would unlock $6.6 million in federal funding for cyber security. Unfortunately, this common-sense security measure that costs Minnesota $0 has been stalled in the Senate, putting the security of Minnesotans’ personal data in jeopardy. The integrity of our democracy shouldn’t be used as a bargaining chip in end-of-session negotiations. I’ll continue to urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to consider doing what’s right for our elections in Minnesota.
Keep in Touch
Please let me know if I can provide any assistance to you or your family, or if you have ideas or input.
Your feedback is especially important as we near the end of the session.
Sincerely,
Kristin Bahner
State Representative |
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