After years of work, the creation of Minnesota’s new Health Exchange is heading into the final stretch. It is in its final committees now, and we expect it to head to the full legislature as early as next week.
Two of the most critical elements – the ability of our Exchange to negotiate for Minnesotans and a board free from financial conflicts of interest – are still in the bill, but the insurance industry has lobbied aggressively to have them removed, and committee votes have been razor thin. Earlier this week, a House committee voted to preserve the power to negotiate by only one vote. Even two Democrats voted on the side of the insurance industry.
These next few weeks are going to be a critical moment to have your voice heard. Stay tuned – get ready to contact your legislators to make that your voice is heard above that of the insurance industry.
We’ll be in touch, and together, we’ll make sure Minnesota’s Exchange is created with people at the center.
Sarah Greenfield
Sarah is TakeAction Minnesota’s Health Care Program Manager.
