How much should the state do to keep health insurance costs down?

Earlier this week, a testy battle broke out on the floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives over reinsurance. Republicans want to extend a program the enacted that they say has helped Minnesota health insurers keep costs down. Some DFLers, who now hold a majority in the House, say the money could be passed more directly on to consumers rather than going to insurers.

Today on MPR News Presents, a conversation about how much the state can really do to keep insurance costs from rising. DFL governor Tim Walz wants to offer an option for some people to buy in to the state-run Minnesota Care insurance. Republicans worry about taking people out of the private insurance pool.

University of Minnesota professor Larry Jacobs moderates a conversation featuring Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake, and national health care industry expert Joel Ari, held Wednesday at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.