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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Kelly Fenton (R)

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Legislative Update

Monday, July 18, 2016

Dear Neighbor,

Here is an update from St. Paul.

New Laws Take Effect

July 1st marked the beginning of a new fiscal year, and many new laws took effect including the supplemental budget bill passed earlier this year.

You can read about all the new laws that took effect this month here.

MNsure

Our health care exchange, MNsure, is facing problems once again.  Blue Cross Blue Shield recently announced plans to withdraw the bulk of its plans from the individual market, including MNsure.

MNsure is once again failing Minnesotans, and now more than 100,000 people will have to find new health care coverage next year. President Obama and the architects of MNsure promised people that if you liked your health plan and your doctor, you can keep it. Unfortunately that has proven time and again to be untrue, and many Minnesotans will be forced to change health care coverage with this announcement from Blue Cross.  

What’s more, as health care costs continue to skyrocket across the state, many middle class families are struggling to pay for their health care. More frustrating still is that House Republican-led efforts to rein in MNsure and save people money, like legislation to cut the MNsure tax on health plans in half for example, is met with strong opposition by many legislators across the aisle.

In the first two years of MNsure, the average cost of a modest health insurance policy has gone up $4,800 per year for a family of four in the Twin Cities, and even more in other parts of the state. On top of that, over 75 percent of people who buy health insurance on their own do not receive any financial assistance from MNsure.

I know that many people are frustrated with MNsure and rising health care costs, and I will continue to advocate for solutions that reduce the cost of health care for Minnesota families. If you are affected by this announcement or have any difficulties navigating MNsure, please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can assist you in any way.

Last Email Update

After this week, I will no longer be able to send out email update communications due to a 60-day post-session rule. Please know, however, that my office will continue to be available to assist you. If you or your family need help related to a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147) or email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn). I am here to serve you!

Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.

Sincerely,

Kelly

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