Lawmakers address concerns over future of health insurance

Feb. 13--The future of healthcare coverage is still in murky waters.

It was standing room only at the Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL) on Sunday. A bipartisan forum consisting of democratic representatives Tina Liebling and Duane Sauke, and republican senators Carla Nelson and Dave Senjem, addressed around 60 attendees who had concerns about the future of their health care coverage, and other pressing matters such as mental health care, and care for those with disabilities.

Part of the discussion addressed the future of the Affordable Care Act under President Donald Trump's administration, and attempts made by lawmakers to repeal and replace the legislation.

Liebling considered those efforts harmful.

"If the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, is repealed, Minnesota stands to lose $2 billion a year in funding we are getting now," she said. "A lot of that funding, guess where that funding goes? It goes to people with disabilities and services for people with disabilities. So, that is a disaster for Minnesota right out of the box."

The Affordable Care Act assisted nearly 20 million Americans get health care coverage. It prevented insurance companies from denying coverage because of pre-existing illnesses, and provided subsidies to those who couldn't afford health care coverage, Liebling said.

Nelson stated that the Affordable Care Act does more harm than good for those already paying high premiums.

"After the Affordable Care Act, what we've seen is a total decimation of the health insurance market, particularly for those in the small and individual group," she said. "We're seeing premiums of more than $40,000 a year and deductibles of more than $13,000. My friends, that's not insurance."

There was also discussion of the shortage of beds at hospitals and centers for those who struggle with mental illnesses, as well as suicide rates in rural areas of the state, where resources are not readily accessible in crisis situations.

While the future of the Affordable Care Act is still being debated, the lawmakers agreed that they'll work together in order to make sure Minnesotans are represented in future discussions and plans.

"We're all here to serve the people," Senjem said.

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