Dear Neighbor,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Health Care Relief and Reform Signed into Law
This week legislators made good on a promise to Minnesotans, passing a compromise premium relief and health care reform bill out of both the House and Senate. For thousands of Minnesotans struggling under the burden of skyrocketing health insurance costs, this bill will provide some welcome financial relief.
First, the bill allocates $312 million from the state’s budget reserves to provide a 25 percent across the board premium reduction to eligible Minnesotans for each month of 2017.
In addition, the bill also funds $15 million for continuity of care, ensuring that people with serious medical conditions in the middle of treatment who lost access to their doctor can extend their coverage for up to 120 days. That would include women in the middle of a pregnancy or someone receiving chemo-therapy cancer treatments, for example.
Third, while premium relief is an essential component of this bill, reforms in Senate File 1 provide the first-steps toward long-term changes that address our struggling individual health care market. Reforms include increasing transparency by requiring the Department of Commerce to publish preliminary rates within ten days so consumers are not blindsided by substantial premium hikes; allowing for-profit HMOs to operate in Minnesota to increase choice for consumers; implementing policies that allow more employers to contribute to or offer affordable insurance for their employees; and prohibiting surprise billing.
I am so pleased that the House, Senate and governor were able to come to an agreement on this key piece of legislation. I look forward to passing more bipartisan legislation this session that will help Minnesota families, small businesses, schools and hardworking taxpayers.
State of the State
On Monday, I was part of the Welcoming Party for Governor Dayton and escorted him into the House Chamber to give his annual State of the State Address. I know many of you saw the news related to his health and cancer diagnosis this week, and I hope you will join me in sending thoughts and prayers to him and his family.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Celebrating the Chinese New Year with the Minnesota International Chinese School in Edina last week.
I had a great time last week celebrating Chinese New Year with the Minnesota International Chinese School. The 2017 Year of the Rooster Spring Festival and Carnival at Valley View Middle School was a lot of fun, and it was great to see so many people come out to celebrate in Edina. Thank you for having me!
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I welcome you to contact my office at any time to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what you would like to see happen this session. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the voices and priorities of our community. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4363 or by email at Rep.Dario.Anselmo@House.mn.
It is an honor and privilege to serve as your voice at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Dario
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