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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Debra Kiel (R)

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House Passes Premium Relief, Continued Care Legislation

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Reps. Fabian and Kiel Support Measure in House Vote

ST. PAUL, MN—On a bipartisan vote of 73-54, the Minnesota House approved the 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access bill (Senate File 1) which provides direct premium relief and preserves access to life-saving and end-of-life care. While lawmakers work toward long-term state and federal health insurance reforms, this legislation institutes immediate consumer-driven improvements that stand alone and will not be impacted by those future changes.

“This bill will help folks in Northwest Minnesota who are struggling to afford skyrocketing premiums, and have limited access to their hometown clinics and pharmacies thanks to Obamacare and MNsure,” said Rep. Dan Fabian (R-Roseau). “I am also glad that a provision I authored was amended into the bill that may improve accessibility in our area by providing an appeal process for waivers for local systems like Roseau LifeCare and the Altru Health System.”

“Premium relief and health care reforms are a top priority for folks in our area, who are seeing their family budget negatively impacted by out-of-control premiums and high deductibles,” said Rep. Deb Kiel (R-Crookston). “While I am frustrated that we are in this mess, our job now is to fix it and Senate File 1 is a great first step. We are working swiftly to get this bill to the governor, and I am hopeful he will sign it into law.”

House Republicans' plan offers a 25 percent premium reduction for those Minnesotans who need it most -- individuals who earn between $35,640 & $95,040 and families of four who earn between $72,900 & $194,400 who live in Minnesota qualify. In addition, it allows for patients with serious illnesses or those receiving end-of-life care to continue seeing their doctor. Lastly, the plan increases affordable options through timely reforms that stand independent of impending federal action.

The bill is expected to enter conference committee where differences between the Senate and House versions will be reconciled.