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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Kelly Fenton (R)

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Legislative Update

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Here is an update from the Capitol.

Step Therapy Bill Passes Unanimously

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This week, my Step Therapy Reform bill that will help improve patient protections passed unanimously in the Minnesota House. HF 3196 will establish standards used by insurers and create a clear override process for prescribing doctors to address situations where step therapy could be harmful to the health of a patient.

Step therapy is a measure that helps health insurance companies hold down costs, requiring patients to try less expensive alternative or generic brand drugs before the insurer will cover a more expensive medication prescribed by a provider. While it’s important to hold down health care costs, this process can also be harmful to patients, especially those with chronic diseases who often face lengthy delays before receiving the medication they need. I have worked with a wide coalition of health care and patient groups to find a compromise that will reform step therapy in Minnesota and better serve patients.

This is an important issue for thousands of Minnesotans, and I am pleased this legislation is advancing. Governor Dayton has indicated he will sign the bill into law.

You can see a short video where I talk more about my Step Therapy Reform bill here.

Real ID on Track

Earlier this week, Minnesota received federal assurance that a traditional Minnesota-issued driver’s license will continue to be sufficient identification to board domestic flights through October 1, 2020. Earlier this session, the Legislature passed a law that required the Dayton Administration to seek an extension for Real ID once it became available.

The latest news on Real ID is great for Minnesotans, ensuring they can continue to travel for work or on a family vacation without facing undue complications at the airport.  Our state is on track to start issuing Real ID-compliant licenses later this year. 

You can read more about the latest Real ID news in a recent Star Tribune article here.

At the Capitol

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With High School Page, Allison

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I was able to welcome a team of doctors and one nurse from Israel to the State Capitol.

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As always, if you have ideas about what you would like to see happen this session or need assistance on a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147), email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn) or stop by my office.

Sincerely,

Kelly

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