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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tara Mack (R)

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RELEASE: RELEASE: Mack to carry House File 5 to improve affordability, access to health care

Thursday, January 8, 2015
SAINT PAUL, MN—Representative Tara Mack, R-Apple Valley, Chair of the Health and Human Services Reform Committee will carry House File 5, a bill that works to ensure fair access and affordability in health care. House Republicans introduced House Files 1 through 5 at a press conference that took place Thursday in Saint Paul. House Files 1 through 4 focused on growing better-paying jobs, improving education, protecting aging adults' quality of life, and refocusing transportation dollars on roads and bridges.
 
"House File Five will help improve access and quality of health care for Minnesotans in all parts of the state," Mack said. "Minnesotans should be able to receive tax credits whether they purchase health insurance through the exchange or outside of it. This will give families more flexibility and more options to choose the plans that work best for their families."
 
HF5 will require the Department of Commerce to seek necessary federal waivers to allow Minnesotans access to tax credits regardless of where they purchase health insurance. In addition, HF5 works to reign in and improve the accountability of MNsure, the state's health insurance exchange set up under the Affordable Care Act, which received exemptions from various state agencies requirements, and eliminates MNsure's unchecked ability to give salary bonuses to MNsure executives.
 
"Many Minnesotans were disappointed to hear about bonuses being given to MNsure executives while thousands struggled with the broken website," Mack said. "This bill will help put a stop to that, and increase accountability by holding MNsure to the same standards that we expect from other state agencies."
 
HF5 was officially introduced during Thursday's legislative session.
 
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