Issue Position: Healthcare

Issue Position

Healthcare is 40% of the entire state budget, and the costs are growing beyond the rate of inflation. A focus on reforming how healthcare is provided in this state will not only provide better access to affordable care, but also drive the cost to the state down. This is why Rep. Schomacker co-authored bills like "The Healthy Minnesota Contribution Program" which offers MinnesotaCare enrollees a subsidy to purchase health insurance in the private market - saving hundreds of dollars a month for each of the tens of thousands of enrollees.

Rep. Schomacker prioritizes healthcare as a safety net for Minnesotans, and protector of our most vulnerable - those in nursing homes and group homes. This is why Rep. Schomacker led the charge in the legislature to increase rates to the lowest receiving nursing homes in the state - many of which are in Southwest Minnesota. Schomacker's first bill signed into law provided for reforms in nursing homes to allow them to receive more accurate reimbursements from Medicare.

In his first term, Rep. Schomacker also tackled the issue of adult foster care regulations. His legislation allows for group homes to have more flexibility in their operation to fit the needs of their consumers, and provides for consumers to have more options in the lives they live. These reforms provide better quality of life for consumers, a better work environment for staff, and a savings to the state.

More needs to reform healthcare and prioritize our spending. Schomacker is an advocate for increases to nursing home and group home employees wages. In Southwest Minnesota, these facilities are the biggest employers, and are often paid more than 12% under their market. We want the best care providers taking care of the greatest generation and those with special needs, and they should be compensated for quality work.

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