Dear neighbor,
Right now we are debating the House Republicans’ insurance premium rebate proposal. Minnesotans across the state facing steep premium increases on the individual market are hurting. People need relief now, not later. The deadline for enrolling for 2017 health insurance is a little over a week and a half away and is approaching fast.
The House Republican proposal is very complex and people would not receive any relief payments until 2018. Forcing people to wait for relief until 2018 is wrong and unacceptable. Under the Republican plan any monetary relief would be considered taxable income.
The proposal would also allow insurance companies to deny certain type of health care like cancer treatment and maternity care. These major overhauls to the health care market need more time to be reviewed so people truly understand what this legislation does. Many of these changes may not stabilize the market, but will probably cause more problems.
It is time to do the right thing and come together to pass immediate relief that struggling Minnesotans need. I am ready to pass immediate relief now and work to make health care more accessible for everyone in the long-term without being reckless.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Nelson
State Representative