ST. PAUL, MN—Rep. Tara Mack's bill, House File 5, which would increase the access and affordability of health care and bring increased oversight for MNsure passed its first committee hurdle Tuesday, passing the Health and Human Services Reform Committee on a voice vote.
Amendments adopted in committee included the elimination of the active purchaser provision, as well as changes to the MNsure board. Under the amended bill one industry expert would be added to the board, as well as two county health administrative representatives, all appointed by the Governor. The Chief Information Officer of MNIT would also serve on the board, bringing the total number of board members to eleven, up from the current level of seven. The Governor would also be given the power to appoint MNsure's executive director, and background checks would also be required for anyone serving as a navigator.
House File 5 seeks to expand access and affordability of health care by requiring Minnesota to seek a waiver from the federal government that would allow eligible Minnesotans to access health insurance tax credits regardless of where they purchase their health insurance.
Under current law, tax credits are only available for insurance plans purchased through MNsure. House File 5 also increases accountability and transparency for MNsure by eliminating exemptions from certain requirements that state agencies are currently subject to.
"I'm grateful for the support for House File 5, and am looking forward to continuing the conversation with my colleagues about ways we can improve access and affordability of health care, and bring additional transparency and accountability to MNsure," Mack said.
The bill now heads to the Commerce Committee, where it awaits its next hearing.
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