Keehan (CHA) statement on repeal and replace

Legislative Update – April 28, 2017

After a long week of Conference Committee hearings and testimony it appears as if the legislative leaders have agreed to budget targets … sort of. Over the last two weeks, the leaders have had numerous meetings with Governor Dayton, exchanged letters and held dueling press conferences. This is all very typical behavior at this time of the session, in an attempt to apply pressure and reach agreement. (more…)

Proposed House Action Threatens Health Coverage for Millions

Since the American Health Care Act was introduced in the House last month, CHA has said very clearly that this legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act would significantly undermine access to health care for many who desperately need it. According to the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation, in the first year under this legislation 14 million people who had just gotten health insurance would lose it, and approximately 10 million more would lose their coverage in later years. In addition, the legislation drastically changes and cuts $880 billion from the Medicaid program, leading to reduced coverage and affordability for millions of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. (more…)

Legislative Update – April 21, 2017

This week Medicaid cuts and repeal and replace of ACA was put back on the table.  It sounds like Congress may take another swing at it next week. (more…)

Legislative Update – March 24, 2017

Last week the Minnesota House of Representatives released their budget targets, which tell us how they would allocate the state’s projected $1.7 billion surplus for FY 2018-19. Like the Senate targets released earlier in the month, the House targets put the bulk of the surplus to tax reductions and tax aids and credits, and propose a stark decrease in general fund dollars for Health and Human Services. (more…)

Proposal debated to stabilize health care: Reinsurance could lower premiums, but premiums could go up anyway

One of the sticking points as Minnesota leaders debate a proposal called “reinsurance” to try to stabilize the state’s individual health care market is how much of an effect it will actually have.

Gov. Mark Dayton, on Thursday, March 16, criticized health insurers for not being willing to make firm promises to sell affordable insurance if lawmakers spend up to $300 million in taxpayer money on reinsurance. (more…)

Legislative Update – February 17, 2017

ACA and Medicaid Expansion Alert

The future of our Medicaid funding faces its greatest threat in years. Congress is considering reforms that would further challenge our ability to provide quality care to our poorest residents. These proposals could dramatically reduce funding to the states and eliminate supplemental funding mechanisms.

We rarely ask every member of our entire, nationwide database to get in touch with Congress on an issue. This is one of those times. This is too important.    (more…)

Insurance Premium Relief Bill Introduced

Palliative Care Advocacy in Minnesota

In an effort to be FOR real care and not just against assisted suicide this week saw the introduction of Senate file 112 — Chief Author Housley, a bill that would create an advisory committee on palliative care within the MN Department of Health. (more…)