Governor Tim Walz is questioning what type of relationship Senate Republicans have with H-M-Os and drug manufacturers, given top G-O-P lawmakers’ resistance to a statewide insulin assistance program. The governor applauds Medica for its plan to reduce insulin prices, but says it concerns him that he heard about it from lawmakers before the H-M-O announced it. “If these legislators are talking to pharma and talking to the insurance companies, that’s a good thing — but we should know what they’re working on, how we’re getting this,” the governor says.
Walz adds while Republicans are having private conversations with pharma, they want information made public about investigations at the state Human Services Department — which he warns could jeopardize due process for state employees.
Minnesota Senate Republican leaders weren’t reachable for comment.