Health Insurance Relief, Reform Bill Approved in Minnesota House

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 20 -- The Minnesota State House Republican Caucus issued the following news release:

By a vote of 73 to 54, the Minnesota House of Representatives has approved legislation that addresses our health care premium cost crisis by providing relief to eligible subscribers while increasing access, competition, and transparency in the Minnesota marketplace.

State Representative Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center) said he's taken more negative phone calls regarding health insurance than any other legislative topic.

"I personally have friends and relatives paying up to 60 percent more for their premiums this year," Cornish said. "They make too much to qualify for the subsidies, yet they can't pay the premiums. One person told me they're actually dipping into their life savings to make these payments. Clearly we needed to act and I'm glad we did."

Under this proposal, an assistance program is established to offset the cost of premiums for qualifying enrollees who purchase health care coverage in the individual market. Those eligible would qualify for premium assistance equaling 25 percent of their premium.

The plan also would bring some access, competition, and transparency to the system by ending surprise billing; allowing for-profit insurers to enter the marketplace; and extending continuity of care in critical cases.

With the House having approved the legislation, Cornish said a joint House/Senate conference committee is expected to be called to work on a compromise proposal that can be approved by both legislative bodies.

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