Dear Neighbor,
As I am sure you have heard, Governor Dayton experienced a bit of a health scare earlier in the week while giving his State of State address on Monday. I am pleased that some of my medically-trained colleagues and I were able to assist him. The Governor then announced to the media on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please join me in keeping the Governor and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Passage of Senate File 1 (Premium Relief):
On Thursday afternoon, the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the conference committee report for Senate File 1, and by Thursday evening it was signed by the Governor. The bill provides a 25% premium reduction to Minnesotans who do not qualify for MNsure tax credits on the individual market, and includes key reforms to preserve care for those receiving life-saving treatments and increase competition and consumer choice moving forward.
Some of the reforms in this bill include:
- Allowing for-profit HMOs to operate in Minnesota (like most states) which will increase options for consumers
- Modifying stop loss coverage to make it easier for more small businesses to offer affordable insurance to their employees.
- Providing greater transparency for proposed insurance premium changes by requiring earlier disclosure of proposed rates.
- Allowing Agricultural Cooperatives to offer group health insurance to their members so farmers and their families can get better access to care and more affordable coverage.
- Ensuring Minnesota employees can benefit from the recently passed federal 21st Century Cures Act which allows employers to make pre-tax contributions toward employee health insurance costs.
- Network adequacy reform that will assist in ensuring more options for residents in rural Minnesota.
- Prohibiting surprise billing to protect consumers from previously undisclosed costs.
Water Summit:
I attended the Governor’s Water Summit today at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Overall, the summit was good. It wasn't just one sided, which was encouraging to see. The morning session with Greg Page, former CEO of Cargill, was very insightful. The panels in the afternoon provided some worthwhile insight as well. However, I am disappointed that the Governor said he is unwilling to compromise regarding the buffer law. The Governor should be reaching out to the legislature, as well as landowners to find a better solution. I will continue to be a voice for our farmers and our local agricultural economy.
Testifying In HHS Committee:
This week, I testified to a bill in Health and Human Services Reform Committee that I chief authored: House File 324. This bill would allow emergency medical services personnel licensed in one state to practice in another. This bill would immensely help border communities, like us, who might need some additional emergency assistance from across state lines.
Staying in Touch:
Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions regarding this piece of legislation. I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929, 701-361-1909, or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
