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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
LET'S MAKE 2007 THE YEAR WE COVER ALL KIDS
As the Vice-Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I had the opportunity to preside over the meeting on Tuesday as the Chair, Rep. Paul Thissen, introduced the " Children's Health Security Act ". The goal of this legislation, also known as "Cover All Kids", is to ensure all children in Minnesota get the health care they need from a health care system that is efficient, effective and fair.
Over the past two years, we have frequently discussed the growing number of people in our state who are without health care coverage. Between 2001 and 2004, the number of uninsured working Minnesotans increased by 28 percent, a number that has grown significantly larger in the last two years. Among children younger than 5, those without coverage grew from 4 to 7 percent during that period, with an even higher percentage of uninsured kids – close to 10 percent – in rural parts of the state. This adds up to almost 68,000 children in Minnesota who in all likelihood are not getting the medical care they need, especially when it comes to screenings and preventative care. An additional 32,000 young people between the ages of 18 to 20 also lack insurance.
We all pay a price for the high number of uninsured in Minnesota. A report issued last year by Families USA indicated that Minnesota families who have insurance through their private employers will pay, on the average, an additional $900 this year in insurance premiums to cover the cost of health care for the uninsured; individuals will pay an extra $341.
By 2010, these premiums will be $1,500 higher for families and $532 for individuals, all to cover the costs to doctors and hospitals for caring for individuals who do not have health insurance.
For all of these reasons, I believe it is impertive that we change directions in our state with regard to health care coverage. While we can't do it all right now, the legislation introduced in committee on Tuesday is a strong start.
This legislation would establish a children's health security program. Under the direction of this program, all children in families with household incomes not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty guidelines will be eligible for state health care coverage, funded by merging Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. The program is voluntary, and is a secondary payer to Medicare.
This legislation has widespread support from a coalition of almost 40 organizations. Included among them are the Children's Defense Fund Minnesota, SEIU, Lutheran Social Services, Minnesota Nurses Association, Minnesota PTA and the Minnesota Head Start Association. They are calling on the Governor and the State Legislature to enact health care coverage for all Minnesota children this year.
Health care for our children needs to be a given. It cannot depend on income, where the parent's work, or even if they have a job. This act takes a visionary approach that will once again make Minnesota a national leader in health care delivery. I am hopeful 2007 will be the year when every child in our state can begin to get the health care they need, and deserve.
Please continue to contact me with your feedback and questions. I can be reached at (651) 296-8237, 551 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn.
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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