Budget deal on MinnesotaCare triples out-of-pocket costs, raises premiums for working Minnesotans
The Health and Human Services budget passed by Minnesota’s Senate and House of Representatives will increase health care costs for the working Minnesotans covered by MinnesotaCare. The Health and Human Services budget ( Senate File 1458) stops well short of the House’s attempt to repeal MinnesotaCare, but it raises out-of-pocket costs and premiums. Lawmakers made these changes to a time-tested, proven tool for affordable health care despite a projected surplus in the fund that pays for it. (more…)
Summary of HHS Omnibus Bill
For months, the single biggest difference between Republicans and Democrats at the Minnesota Capitol was health and human services. More than a billion dollars separated the two major proposals, to say nothing of controversial ideas: repealing MinnesotaCare, a deep purge of public program rolls, making MNsure a state agency and huge differences in nursing home funding.
But as the door closes on the 2015 legislative session, HHS was resolved with a whimper, not a roar. Almost no controversial provisions from either side got adopted in the final deal, which a committee adopted shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday morning after a marathon but largely non-contentious hearing. (more…)
Latest state economic update shows higher revenues but slower economic growth
Minnesota’s spring is arriving with mixed economic news. State revenues have come in higher than expected, but the U.S. economy is not expected to grow as quickly as earlier predicted. That’s according to the April Economic Update from Minnesota Management and Budget. (more…)
Assisted Suicide Legislation to have informational hearing
The assisted suicide legislation is having a hearing on Monday, March 23rd. The hearing is informational only, but CHA-MN will be watching this legislation closely.
Legislative Update of March 20th
Friday marked the first committee deadline and thus a flurry of activity at the Capitol to act favorably on bills in their respective policy committees.
MNsure
When Governor Mark Dayton’s supplemental budget is released on March 24, it will include $500,000 for a special health care finance task force to evaluate the future of the state’s new health insurance website. The task force will consider options including MNsure’s long-term financial viability, moving to a federal exchange, and changes to other public health care programs. (more…)
Legislation Update of March 10th
Minnesota Budget Forecast/Surplus
Management and Budget shows the State’s previously forecast $1.038 billion surplus for the next biennium has grown to $1.87 billion. Governor Mark Dayton said he will propose using about half of the additional funds for higher education and early education. That put him at odds with Republicans who want to cut taxes with the additional surplus. (more…)
Health care for millions at stake in Supreme Court
Health care is the right of every human person. Whether you run a multinational corporation, drive a taxi cab or are unemployed, you should not have to worry about how to get the diagnosis or medical treatment you or your children need. Catholic social teaching, rooted in a fundamental respect for human dignity, instructs us that health care is essential to human life and dignity. For this fundamental reason, the Catholic Health Association has championed health care reform for decades, and we regard the Affordable Care Act as a giant step forward for our nation.
Legislative Update of February 20th: MNsure Review
The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released its much-anticipated review of MNsure’s first year of operations. MNsure is Minnesota’s online health insurance marketplace that was established in accordance with the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Overall, the OLA concluded that “MNsure’s failures outweighed its achievements in its first year of operations. (more…)
Legislative Update of February 16th
The Minnesota legislature has experienced increased activity in the two weeks since Gov. Mark Dayton released his proposed FY 16-17 budget. Committees are hearing presentations from a broad variety of commissioners and agency staff regarding proposed changes, reforms, or new spending. (more…)
Governors budget continues to invest in a strong future for Minnesota
Governor Mark Dayton’s state budget proposal released today provides new investments for our state, and particularly focuses on getting our youngest Minnesotans started on the right foot.
The positive balance projected in the November forecast allows Minnesota to make some much needed investments. And Dayton’s proposed budget makes targeted investments in a future of opportunity for all Minnesotans, particularly for children and young people. (more…)