August 7, 2025
On August 5, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., announced plans to severely hamper vaccine development programs.
It was reported that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will terminate 22 mRNA vaccine-development contracts.
Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota, said the decision is one of the "worst decisions" he's seen. "mRNA technology could save us in the next pandemic," he said.
“The MMA continues to be disappointed, and concerned, with how the current administration is turning its back on science,” said MMA President Edwin Bogonko, MD, MBA. “mRNA vaccines saved thousands of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. We need more vaccine development, not less.”
April 9, 2026
An amended piece of legislation that would exempt buprenorphine from prior authorization (PA) was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on April 9.
April 9, 2026
On April 9, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard a bill that would require coverage for psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) services under Medical Assistance.
April 9, 2026
On April 9, the House Taxes Committee heard legislation focused on supporting the financial stability and ongoing operations of Hennepin Healthcare.