ST. PAUL – On January 19, the Minnesota House of Representatives began to ease the health insurance devastation being felt by tens of thousands of residents by approving an immediate health care premium relief and reform proposal.
State Representative Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) called the legislation a necessary first step.
“There have been so many people talking to me about the problems they’re facing with health insurance, rising costs, and dealing with MNsure,” Rarick said. “It’s not the ideal short term answer but it is absolutely necessary for those who are struggling.”
The plan utilizes $300 million from state budget reserves in order to provide premium relief to eligible recipients and continuity of care in certain situations where patients have lost the ability to see their existing doctor in-network.
The bill also contains a number of reforms designed to improve options and increase patient access to care, including allowing for-profit HMO’s to operate in Minnesota, allowing them to create more competition for business and drive down consumer costs.
Rarick said he’s looking forward to more improved health care proposals coming forward later this session.
“This bill should allow more people to afford and keep their insurance, and I expect more reforms to be debated in the coming weeks in order to address our long term problems,” Rarick said.