ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House overwhelmingly approved a package of health insurance relief and reform on Thursday, sending it to the governor for his anticipated approval.
The package (S.F. 1), which passed the Senate earlier in the day, provides a 25-percent premium reduction to Minnesotans who do not qualify for MNsure tax credits on the individual market. It also includes key Republican-led reforms to preserve care for those receiving life-saving treatments and increase competition and consumer choice moving forward.
“I am very pleased with the reform in this bill, especially the continued care portion and increased accessibility,” said Rep. Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud. “MNsure has been failing to meet its core objectives of delivering affordable, accessible health insurance and this package helps on both accounts and more.”
The bill passed both bodies with bipartisan support and Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to sign it.
“Today’s bill is a first step in a session-long effort to address the problems created by Obamacare and MNsure,” said House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown. “As the first month of session comes to a close, Republican majorities have shown an ability to get things done for Minnesotans and to work productively with the governor.”
Republican-led reforms in the final bill include:
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