Bill includes premium relief, preservation of care, reforms to increase competition and choice
ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House overwhelmingly approved a package of health insurance relief and reform on Thursday, sending it to the governor for his anticipated approval.
The package (S.F. 1), which passed the Senate earlier in the day, provides a 25-percent premium reduction to Minnesotans who do not qualify for MNsure tax credits on the individual market. It also includes key Republican-led reforms to preserve care for those receiving life-saving treatments and increase competition and consumer choice moving forward.
“It was important to take a two-pronged approach to this issue by providing both immediate relief and also enacting reform that will lead to better results for the long haul,” said Rep. Jeff Howe, R-Rockville. “That was the focus of this package and we delivered on issues such as continuation of care and expanded accessibility. More work remains on improving health insurance in our state, but this is a nice start so early in the session.”
The bill passed both bodies with bipartisan support and Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to sign it.
“Today’s bill is a first step in a session-long effort to address the problems created by Obamacare and MNsure,” said House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown. “As the first month of session comes to a close, Republican majorities have shown an ability to get things done for Minnesotans and to work productively with the governor.”
Republican-led reforms in the final bill include:
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