Statement by Rep. Loonan on Legislature Passing Health Care Relief Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 27 -- The Minnesota State House Republican Caucus issued the following news release:

The Minnesota House overwhelmingly approved the conference committee report for Senate File 1 Thursday on a vote of 108-19. The bill provides a 25% premium reduction to Minnesotans who do not qualify for MNsure tax credits on the individual market, and includes key House-led reforms to preserve care for those receiving life-saving treatments and increase competition and consumer choice moving forward. The bill passed the Senate earlier Thursday afternoon with bipartisan support.

"Yesterday, we passed the final version of the premium relief bill that came out of negotiations with the House, Senate, and Governor's office. This $326 million relief package was necessary only because of the failure of MNsure and Obamacare to actually address the costs of health care," said Rep. Bob Loonan, R-Shakopee. "While I am glad this bill includes a number of reforms to increase access and prevent huge increases in the future, much more needs to be done. I am ready to get to work to bring significant and lasting reform to health care insurance in Minnesota."

House-led reforms included in the final bill include:

* Allowing for-profit HMOs to operate in Minnesota (like most states) which will increase options for consumers

* Modifying stop loss coverage to make it easier for more small businesses to offer affordable insurance to their employees.

* Providing greater transparency for proposed insurance premium changes by requiring earlier disclosure of proposed rates. * Allowing Agricultural Cooperatives to offer group health insurance to their members so farmers and their families can get better access to care and more affordable coverage.

* Ensuring Minnesota employees can benefit from the recently passed federal 21st Century Cures Act which allows employers to make pre-tax contributions toward employee health insurance costs.

* Network adequacy reform that will assist in ensuring more options for residents in rural Minnesota.

* Prohibiting surprise billing to protect consumers from previously undisclosed costs.

"Today's bill is a first step in a session-long effort to address the problems created by Obamacare and MNsure," said House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown. "As the first month of session comes to a close, Republican majorities have shown an ability to get things done for Minnesotans and to work productively with the governor."

The bill will was signed by Governor Dayton late on Thursday.

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