State legislators with key leadership positions have been taking large campaign contributions from health insurance companies as they prepare to create a statewide health insurance exchange. Political Scientist Dr. Kent Redfield says the insurance lobby is buying access to the lawmakers.
[audio:rddHIE1.mp3]A Word From Redfield[/audio]
Combined contributions of over 70-thousand dollars have recently gone to Alton Senator William Haine, Bloomington Senator Dan Brady, Spring Valley Representative Frank Mautino and Antioch Representative JoAnn Osmond. They're the co-chairs of the committe that will determine which providers can participate in the exchange. The exchange is meant to provide consumer protections and increased access to healthcare.