Dear Friends,
I am so happy to say that MNsure relief and reform is on its way. Our caucus was dedicated to passing critical premium relief and continuity of care measures alongside reforms to make sure we don’t end up in the same situation next year. There are some good, first-step reforms in this bill that will prevent some of the difficulties we are dealing with now. I am looking forward to more substantial reforms to the MNsure exchange passing later this session and next session.
Here is a more detailed list of what was included in our MNsure bill, Senate File 1 (SF1).
Relief
There is over $311 million dedicated toward premium relief in SF1. For qualifying individuals and families purchasing their plans, both through the MNsure exchange and on the individual market, this means a 25% rebate on your insurance bill. The reduction will appear on premium billing statements from your insurance company within 8-10 weeks.
Along with the $311 million mentioned above, there is an extra $15 million set aside to guarantee continuity of care. For people receiving life-saving treatments and end-of-life care, this means that you will maintain your coverage to see your own provider. That’s the last thing you should have to worry about if you’re critically ill, or taking care of a loved one who is passing away.
Reform
Senate File 1 requires the Department of Commerce to make premium rate changes public within 10 days of when they are filed. This measure was included to increase transparency moving forward, and would have prevented Minnesotans from being blindsided with the crazy rate increases of 2016. It would also have allowed the Legislature enough time to make changes to improve the situation and reduce the drastic impacts so many are now facing.
For-profit insurance companies will now be allowed to sell plans in Minnesota’s insurance market. We hope this will increase competition, and provide insurance shoppers with more options for affordable coverage.
Several other reforms were passed in SF1, in addition to the ones mentioned above. I am pleased to share that SF1 passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 108-19, and was signed by Governor Dayton.
Again, all this to say; relief is on its way, and the reform process has begun.
Again, please contact me with any questions or input you have. I look forward to continuing the MNsure debate and addressing other issues as we continue the legislative session.
Sincerely,
Josh