Capitol Corner September 2025

Vaccines in Minnesota

Amid federal uncertainty around HHS, CDC, and ACIP policy, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield issued updated COVID-19 protocols, which give pharmacists authority to vaccinate most Minnesotans under Governor Walz’s September 8 Executive Order. MDH and the Board of Pharmacy are also collecting survey and testimonial feedback to guide implementation.

View Walz' executive order

AHIP COVID-19 Coverage Statement

In September 2025, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) confirmed its members will cover COVID-19 and all ACIP-recommended vaccines without patient cost-sharing through the end of 2026. This assurance comes despite federal policy changes and ensures Minnesota patients aged 6–64 will continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines at no cost.

Rural Health Transformation Program

The federal Reconciliation Bill (HR1), signed July 4, amended the Social Security Act and significantly changed Medicaid. To improve rural health care access, the bill allocates $50 billion over five years for a one-time Rural Health Transformation Program.

Minnesota must submit a single five-year plan to CMS by November 5. Governor Walz is gathering input through surveys and direct feedback. Pharmacy organizations have recommended using funds to:

• Cover pharmacist-provided services
• Expand pharmacy team authorities and workforce models in rural areas
• Support chronic disease prevention and management
• Enhance substance use disorder treatment and pharmacist involvement
• Improve mental health care access
• Strengthen health record integration between systems and community pharmacies

Special Elections and House Leadership

On September 16, former Brooklyn Park City Councilman Xp Lee (DFL) won the House 34B special election with 60.8% of the vote, restoring the House to a 67–67 partisan split.

Senate Districts 29 and 47 will hold special elections November 4 to replace Senator Bruce Anderson (deceased) and Senator Nicole Mitchell (resigned). Both seats are expected to remain with their current parties, though SD47 (Woodbury) is competitive. The DFL currently holds a narrow 34–33 majority.

Governor Walz: Special Session and Third-Term Run

Following recent tragedies—including the Annunciation School shooting, the assassination of Rep. Hortman and her husband, and an attack on Senator Hoffman’s family—Governor Walz is weighing a Special Session on gun violence and mental health. While bipartisan agreement exists on expanding mental health resources, significant gun reforms appear unlikely without GOP support. Most recently, the Governor has floated the possibility of agreeing to the GOP plan and placing an assault weapons ban and high-capacity magazine ban on  the 2026 ballot for the public to determine if the State should enact stricter gun regulation.

On September 16, Walz also announced his campaign for a third term. GOP challengers include former senator and 2022 nominee Scott Jensen and Rep. Kristin Robbins of Maple Grove, with more candidates expected.

MPhA TOAST Reception

On October 9, during the Annual Conference, MPhA will host the 2nd Annual T.O.A.S.T. (Together Our Advocacy SupporTs Pharmacy) reception to honor legislative champions and support the MPhA Advocacy Fund. The event will bring pharmacists, industry leaders, and advocates together to strengthen pharmacy practice and patient care.

Invited champions include:

Senators: Hoffman, Mann, Wiklund, Utke, Murphy, Duckworth, Klein, Dahms
Representatives: Nadeau, Bahner, Elkins, Backer, Bierman, Baker, Her, Davids, Reyer, O'Driscoll, Liebling, Perryman