Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

The federal Affordable Care Act has dramatically changed the health insurance system. That system--when it is a working system at all--is enormously complex, so we must address the problems on many fronts. While some solutions must come at the federal level, Minnesota can address many problems right here. All we need is the political will to do it. I will keep working to provide quality, affordable coverage to every Minnesotan.

Minnesota should move toward a unified health system, so Minnesotans can get the health care they need without the extra cost and aggravation of dealing with insurance companies.

A well-designed health care system that provides high-quality care at the right time at a reasonable cost is good not only for the health of Minnesotans but also for the economy of Minnesota.

Fixing our health care system will help us attract businesses and workers, increase productivity, and make Minnesota's products and services more competitive.

With the Affordable Care Act and MNsure making it easier for Minnesotans to get health insurance, the number of Minnesotans without health insurance has dropped by over 40%. The MNsure website has had a slow start, but it has helped over 250,000 Minnesotans get affordable insurance. Here are some of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act in Minnesota:

Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for pre-existing conditions.
The Medicare prescription benefit "donut hole" is closing.
Parents can keep children on their health insurance to age 26.
Medicaid is available to more families.
MinnesotaCare--the public health insurance for low-income working Minnesotans--has been improved so it covers more and costs less.

I look forward to continuing my work to make quality health care affordable and accessible for all Minnesotans.

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