Dear Neighbors,
It feels like spring outside, but we’re just getting started with the legislative session. We’re hearing some important bills, and I wanted to make sure you were updated on what we’re doing in St. Paul.
Last week, the House passed the 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access bill on a bipartisan vote. I’ve heard from some claiming this is a bailout, but I think it’s important to understand why this was needed. First, Obamacare and MNsure passed the state and federal levels without a single Republican vote, despite our warnings that premiums would go up and people would lose their doctors and insurance plans. Democrats made this problem, and last November, Minnesotans elected a Republican House and Senate to fix it.
In order to find a solution, it’s important to first identify the issue. The most important thing to know is how high these costs can be for an average Minnesota family. I’ve heard from constituents who would have to pay upwards of $30,000 on health care premiums and deductibles before their “insurance” even kicked in. That’s simply unaffordable to most in our state. This isn’t a bailout of the health insurance industry, it’s a helping hand to Minnesotans who, by no fault of their own, were hurt by Democrats’ repeated mistakes.
But it’s not just the cost issue we have to fix. Increasing access is also at the heart of this plan. Our bill ensures a continuity of care for critical cases. This means a person receiving life-saving or end-of-life treatment will continue to do so under our plan. We passed this bill because Minnesotans need our help to fix this system. It’s a few steps toward long-term health care reforms later this session.
If you have questions about this bill, or any other issue, please contact me. If you would like to get in touch, please call 651-296-4231 or email me at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn.
Have a great week!
Peggy