Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Premium Relief Signed by Governor
I am happy to report that for folks struggling to afford high health care premiums because of Obamacare and MNsure, last week the Senate and House sent legislation to Governor Dayton that will provide substantial premium relief and begin to turn around our floundering individual insurance market.
The bill includes $312 million for premium assistance that will be administered as a 25 percent discount through insurance companies for 2017 and includes additional requirements for residency verification to ensure only eligible Minnesotans are receiving this refund. Minnesotans are expected to see rebates in the next 8-12 weeks.
Additionally, the bill also funds $15 million for continuity of care for up to 120 days of additional coverage for folks with serious conditions losing access to their doctor.
Finally, the bill includes a number of key reforms that are the first-steps to turning around our state’s health care crisis including ending surprise billing; allowing for-profit HMOs to increase competition in the market; requiring health plan rate filings within ten days of receipt; and establishing an appeals process for waivers with the Department of Health to increase health care options and accessibility in Greater Minnesota.
I know that premium relief and health care reform were among the top priorities for Minnesotans across our state, and I am pleased we were able to get this passed in the first month of session.
PCA Assistance Program
Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) are dedicated and hardworking folks who do critical work caring for vulnerable and disabled Minnesotans. For Minnesotans who need more intensive levels of care, however, they are running into difficulties finding PCAs.
To try and address this issue, I am carrying legislation this session that will increase the reimbursement rate for PCAs that care for people who need ten or more hours of care a day. To receive this increase, it would also require some additional training.
The bill has bipartisan support, and I hope it will be signed into law this year.
Alzheimer’s Working Group
Alzheimer’s disease impacts so many folks across our state and nation, and that’s why I am carrying bipartisan legislation this year to extend our state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group.
This working group will look at a number of things including where funding is best utilized, ways to keep loved ones in their homes for longer and the capacity of the state to meet the needs of a growing, aging population.
Following research funding last year, this is an important step in addressing the plethora of issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease for our state, caregivers and those diagnosed with the disease.
More Health Care Choices for NW MN
There was some more good news for folks in Northwest Minnesota this week, with Medica announcing it would re-open enrollment for 2017, providing more choice for Minnesotans across the state. Included in Medica’s options is the Medica Altru plan, which covers a large number of hospitals and providers in Northwest Minnesota in Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Open enrollment has been extended through February 8th, meaning there is still time to purchase health care coverage for 2017. Medica gives residents an additional option in our area, and I would encourage everyone to look at these additional choices which hopefully could mean a more affordable coverage option for many families.
Legislative Coordinating Commission
This week, Speaker Daudt appointed me to the Legislative Coordinating Commission (LCC). The LCC serves as the umbrella organization for legislative commissions, joint agencies, and other boards. Additionally, the LCC also establishes the complement and the compensation of employees for joint agencies and commissions, reviews and approves joint agency budgets, and coordinates certain activities of the House and Senate including the setting of insurance benefits.
In this role I will continue working to make state government more effective and accountable to the citizens and hardworking taxpayers of Minnesota.
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If I can ever assist you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B