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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the snow.
Several pieces of legislation related to health care have been introduced in the legislature and are moving through the committee process, and I thought you would be interested to learn more.
Here’s an overview of some of these proposals in the House:
Transparency in Health Care Costs
Yesterday, the House Commerce Committee advanced legislation that would require most hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and medical practices to make available to the public a list of current standard charges for all items and services provided by the medical practice. The idea is to develop and make available to the public, a tool for anyone to use to compare charges for a specific item or service. This is a thoughtful approach to help drive down costs and promote the transparency in health care pricing Minnesotans deserve.
Earned Sick and Safe Time for Minnesota Workers
As we’ve learned from COVID-19, when people get sick, they should be able to stay home not just for their own health or that of a loved one, but for the health of everyone around them. This week in the House Labor Committee, a bill was presented to ensure Minnesota workers have access to Earned Sick and Safe Time. The legislation would ensure, at a minimum, one hour of paid Earned Sick and Safe Time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours per year.
Minnesotans care about another, and we want to live in a state where our families can be healthy and safe. By securing the ability to stay home when you’re sick – without foregoing your paycheck – we can get through this pandemic as a stronger, healthier state.
Predeductible, Flat Co-pay on Prescription Drugs
I’ve recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would require individual and small group health plan offerings to include a predeductible, flat co-pay on prescription drug option. This legislation will help patients avoid having to choose between affording care and affording other necessities, particularly at the start of the plan year, when lump-sum payments can be massive. While this bill will not reduce drug costs, it will immediately help thousands of Minnesotans afford their lives. I will continue working to address the issue of high cost of prescription drugs, and with all my colleagues every day that I am in elected office, until Americans pay lower costs for pharmaceuticals as do all other industrialized nations.
Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization
Earlier this week, some of my House colleagues introduced legislation that would legalize adult-use cannabis in Minnesota. The legislation would create a regulated cannabis market while addressing concerns around youth access, public health, and road safety. I am still carefully reviewing the measure. One area I am particularly interested in is how this bill would impact medical cannabis patients who are struggling to stay enrolled due to the high cost. Please feel free to share your thoughts and questions about this proposal.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me with questions, ideas, or input anytime at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn. It’s an honor to serve you in the Minnesota House!
Stay warm this weekend.
Sincerely,
Robert Bierman
State Representative
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