Sen. Michelle Benson | Facebook
Sen. Michelle Benson | Facebook
Sen. Michelle Benson gave an update on Department of Human Services (DHS) following Commissioner Jodi Harpstead’s first 90 days on the job, and an update on the Insulin Working Group.
Benson said that in the Dec. 10 meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee with DHS Commissioner Harpstead, she was not convinced that changes are coming to improve mismanagement and corruption issues that have been reported, including an assistant commissioner’s approval of $1 million in payments to a nonprofit, and while serving on that nonprofit’s board of directors. She also announced that Gov. Tim Walz is hiring an independent consultant to look at breaking up DHS.
The Insulin Working Group met on Dec. 18 to update the public on potential legislation, and Benson said that while they have not reached a compromise, there are areas of agreement.
“In the hearing, executives from MNsure reassured us that every individual market health plan will offer $25-or-less insulin. If you require insulin, you should contact your carrier to ask if this can help you,” Benson said.
She also announced her intention to introduce a plan for Minnesota to bring lower prescription drug prices (insulin included) to pharmacies.
Alerts Sign-up