ST. PAUL – A measure that provides direct health insurance premium relief to eligible subscribers and allows more rural Minnesotans to access affordable health care has been signed into law. State Representative Tim Miller (R-Prinsburg) voted for the legislation in the Minnesota House.
“We made a promise to rural Minnesota that we would help them with their health care needs, and we’ve now done that in a very big way,” Miller said.
The legislation will allocate more than $300 million to provide premium relief and ensure continuity of care for people who were receiving treatment from a physician but lost that ability when they were forced to switch insurance plans.
Other reforms included will allow more HMO’s to operate in Minnesota, and provide an audit to determine how the plan is working.
But most importantly for Miller is that the plan includes legislation he championed that creates agricultural cooperative health plans. The provision allows organizations with member owners – such as farm cooperatives – to provide health insurance to their members.
“It’s hopefully welcome news to farmers, agribusiness and other people in our communities who are looking for more affordable health care options,” Miller said.
Miller said the House will continue working on other long-term affordable health care solutions throughout this legislative session.