As I begin serving my second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and first term in the role of DFL Deputy Minority Leader, I remain committed to working with legislators from both political parties to identify the problems Minnesotans face, and take actions to solve them. Giving all Minnesotans an opportunity to feel economically secure is essential when it comes to policy decisions we make at the Capitol. Too often, however, partisan barriers stand in the way of accomplishing this important goal, at the expense of the public that legislators were elected - and swore an oath - to serve.
Early this session, a partisan barrier soon emerged with respect to the significant, rapid premium increases that approximately 125,000 Minnesotans who purchased health insurance on the individual market are now facing. I’ve heard countless stories from families who are coming up against enrollment deadlines and will soon have to pay their much higher-than-expected bills. With average hikes for such Minnesotans hovering at about 59 percent (and some experiencing much higher numbers), reforms must be explored, and we must examine ways to make the system more sustainable on a long-term basis. More immediately though, Minnesotans deserve financial relief from these high premiums.
When the new premium increases on the individual market were announced last fall, wheels should have been put in motion for a special session to provide immediate relief. It appeared that there was consensus from both parties in the Legislature and the Governor to sign a bill that would provide a premium rebate of 25 percent to those affected by the large rate hikes. Instead, finger pointing and heightened political rhetoric got in the way. Consequently, the special session didn’t happen, even though all sides agreed that an immediate fix was needed. Nevertheless, Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt reassured the public that an immediate fix would passed within the first week of session.
Yet two weeks later, the issue remains as unfinished business. Speaker Daudt's House GOP majority broke its promise for immediate relief and instead rushed a bill to the House floor that would, among other things, bring for-profit insurers into the marketplace in the state of Minnesota, apply complex stop-loss provisions to further protect insurance companies, and worse yet, prevent any premium relief from being realized until 2018 - and for fewer Minnesotans.
We need to pass immediate relief now, period. The Legislature can work on other more substantial changes later, with more time for input from the public and industry experts.
To be clear, the health care industry must improve, as must how our government delivers it to Minnesotans in a way everyone can afford. But reforming the system is complex and calls for careful consideration. Besides, given many changes are likely to come at the federal level, it’s important for us to make sure that any reforms we undertake aren't soon rendered ineffective or unsuccessful in providing the high-quality, affordable health care that Minnesotans deserve. Everyone agrees that any substantial reforms will take a considerable amount of time to implement. And the 125,000 Minnesotans who need immediate relief don't have any time to waste. I hope the House GOP majority will lower its partisan barrier that continues to prevent Minnesota families from getting the help they so desperately need and pass a relief bill that isn’t tied to reckless reform. Once accomplished, I promise that House DFLers will work with the Republicans to ensure our health care system improves and continues on a path that leaves no one behind. But first, let's accomplish what every legislator promised the public we would do: provide Minnesotans with immediate premium relief.
Rep. Jon Applebaum is Deputy Minority Leader in the Minnesota House. He can be reached by email at rep.jon.applebaum@house.mn or phone at 651-296-9934. He sends periodic email updates from the Capitol; a link to subscribe can be found on his House webpage at www.house.mn/44b.