Friends and Neighbors,
I want to update you on a few big issues we’re tackling this month at the State Capitol.
Problems Grow with Minnesota’s Obamacare
There have been a few unsettling events in the last few weeks surrounding the new Obamacare state agency, MNsure, and problems there with privacy protections. You may remember when Governor Dayton and legislative Democrats created MNsure last spring as the new agency to implement Obamacare in Minnesota. I voted against the creation of this $150 million entity because it did not have adequate protections for citizens’ private information, did not control costs, and did not provide fair choices for health coverage.
Today, all three of these concerns appear to have been warranted.
Rates released by state officials in early September show a wide variance in what people will pay for health insurance, depending on their part of the state. Part of the problem is that thousands of Minnesotans in certain “regions” will only have a couple providers to choose from, so their choices for affordable care are limited. When compared side-by-side to the current private market options, MNsure rates are much higher.
Your private information may also not be safe with this new state entity. Last week, an employee at MNsure wrongfully sent social security numbers and other private information for 2,400 insurance agents to an outside person via email, increasing the risk of identity theft and fraud. While the mistake was quickly addressed, it only demonstrates the new agency is not ready for “prime time” when it opens for business October 1. Many of my colleagues and I have called for the postponement of the opening of MNsure operations until all privacy protection problems are addressed.
Significant questions from legislators and the public remain unanswered by MNsure still today, just days from the opening of this vast, publicly-funded organization with poor oversight. Millions in taxpayer dollars have been awarded to organizations in a questionable grant process, resulting in scrutiny and reduced public trust that could diminish the role of MNsure in accomplishing its ultimate goal to cover more Minnesotans.
Tax Changes Hit Families Hard
We’re learning more about the actions of this legislature a few months ago and the impact tax conformity problems are going to have on families in our area. As you probably know, certain income, sales, and estate taxes were increased at the end of the last session. What you probably don’t know, however, is that Minnesota’s refusal to “comply” with federal tax law means new taxes will hit married couples, adoption services, student loan interest, teachers, and even homes that have been foreclosed on. When thousands of Minnesotans go to file their taxes next spring, they could be hit with a nasty surprise. I want you to check out the Revenue website and see if you are hit by these unfair changes to tax code that have gone mostly under-the-radar.
Please contact my office if there is anything I can help you with.
Respectfully,
Tony Albright