State lawmakers are taking public comments today on Republicans’ plan to provide state aid for those hit by large health insurance premium increases on MNsure. In addition to short-term relief, Republicans want to allow insurance companies authorized by other states to also sell health insurance to Minnesotans. Ham Lake Republican Michelle Benson says, “For those people in Greater Minnesota who have one option, we’re trying to give them another option.” Saint Louis Park Democrat Ron Latz warns those insurance policies may not be sound enough to meet Minnesota standards. “New York or California or Arkansas or Missouri insurance regulators would be regulating those companies that come to provide products for purchase by Minnesotans,” he says.