Here are a few happenings in St. Paul…
Protecting Families from Higher-Health Care Costs
In 2016 insurance premiums for the individual market increased by double digits, as high as 49%, due to changes from the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, some counties had just one health care insurance plan available to them. Senate Republicans acted in 2017 to lower premiums and increase competition among providers by passing Minnesota’s reinsurance program. Following reinsurance implementation, costs stabilized and every county in Minnesota has at least two health care plan options to choose from.
“Minnesota families are already bearing the heavy brunt of inflation in their day-to-day lives. The state’s reinsurance program has been historically effective at lowering costs for consumers and ensuring that Minnesotans have access to some of the lowest health insurance rates in the country. By renewing this proven program, we can preserve affordable health care.”
Over the first three years after the implementation of the program, premiums decreased by 25.5% in Minnesota as compared with an increase of 25.9% for the United States overall. Additionally, reinsurance has proven so successful that several other states have created programs.
The bill would return the coinsurance level to 80% which will save the average enrollee $130 per month compared to $100 at the 60% level. Without the program, the Center of Medicaid Studies suggests premiums could rise as much as 36% in the individual marketplace in 2023. According to the Department of Commerce, it is estimated 15,000 Minnesotans will lose health insurance without the program.
The bill now awaits action by the House of Representatives.
Bipartisan Legislation—Breast Cancer Exams
I want to highlight a bipartisan bill SF989 that would expand access to breast cancer exams. Legislators are working together to ensure all Minnesotans can get affordable and timely diagnostic tests. The legislation would require health plans to provide coverage for people who need additional diagnostic services or testing after a mammogram. It would eliminate out-of-pocket costs, including all co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance. Early Diagnosis is Important!
Diagnostic imaging is a critical piece in the early detection of breast cancer, and we all know that early detection leads to much better outcomes. No one should be forced to delay or forgo critical care due to cost. This isn’t a Republican or a Democrat issue, it is about doing what is right for Minnesotans.
Millions of Americans have access to free preventative screening mammograms. However, 12% of people who receive a screening mammogram will need additional testing to rule out breast cancer or confirm the need for a biopsy. Coverage for follow-up tests varies widely, creating stress and confusion for individuals who are already dealing with the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Patients who require follow-up testing may face hundreds or even thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. According to a study commissioned by Susan G. Komen, the average out-of-pocket cost for a diagnostic mammogram is $234 and the average cost of a breast MRI is $1,021. People who can’t afford this may be forced to delay or forego testing. If an individual does have breast cancer and it spreads while they’re waiting to be diagnosed, it may become deadlier and more expensive to treat.
Nurse Licensure Compact
The Minnesota Senate recently passed the Nurse Licensure Compact to provide relief to nurses and their patients. Nurses are the conduit to healthcare, and we are currently suffering from a nationwide shortage of nurses. To fill the gaps left by nurses leaving the field, we would need to train over 200,000 nurses every year, but schools can only train a maximum of 180,000 candidates. We can address this problem by implementing the Nurse Licensure Compact, which 39 states have already entered, with others currently working towards entering. This compact allows nurses licensed in one compact state to work in another compact state without having to be re-licensed.
The goal is to make it easier for nurses to move to Minnesota to work and care for patients. We’re living in a mobile economy and entering the compact would allow nurses to follow their patients. This would also allow us to keep nurses in our state after they have been trained here. Oftentimes, nurses are trained in Minnesota, but will get licensed in another state that is part of the compact, solely so they have the freedom to move between all states involved in the compact. Entering this compact is a win-win for nurses and patients: it provides relief for over-worked nurses by allowing out-of-state nurses to work here without getting relicensed, and it allows patients to continue receiving high-quality care.
Legislative Information
Deadlines are fast approaching at the Legislature. Generally, any piece legislation must meet these deadlines as a prerequisite before being passed and signed into law by the Governor.
- 1st deadline: Policy bills must move through a committee by March 25 to still be active. For example, a Senate bill must move through at least one Senate committee, and same for the House bills.
- 2nd deadline: Any Senate bill that moved through Senate committees, or its House companion bill, must now move through at least one committee in the House (and vice-versa) by April 1.
- 3rd deadline: Finance and Bonding bills get a slightly later deadline of April 8, by which date they must have moved through a committee.
While this all seems technical—it’s mainly meant to narrow the Legislature’s focus for what can become a law in any given year. Here’s a link for details:Legislative Deadlines
Important Information: 2022 Confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial & Backyard Flocks: Board of Animal Health. Small or hobby poultry owners can defend their flock with biosecurity measures. Many of these procedures may be new to small flock owners who may have questions, which is great because there are resources to guide flock owners through the benefits of biosecurity. A few highlights for small flock owners to review here: Protect your small flock
CELEBRATION IN CROSSLAKE: St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Events
Thank you for taking the time to read my legislative update. If you’re looking to hear more from the Capitol, please like me on Facebook.
As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
Talk to you soon!
Carrie Ruud