Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556
October 3, 2017
NEWS RELEASE
Reinsurance is a raw deal, as feds slash MinnesotaCare funding
St. Paul—Health insurance rates came out this week despite uncertainty surrounding the state’s “reinsurance” program. Just weeks before Minnesotans sign up for health insurance, the Trump Administration announced that federal approval for reinsurance would slash $369 million for MinnesotaCare. This would result in a net loss of federal funding for the state.
TakeAction Minnesota joins Governor Dayton in calling on the Trump Administration to keep their promise to fund MinnesotaCare in conjunction with the new reinsurance program, and urge him to reject any deal that would decrease federal health care funding to the state.
“The Affordable Care Act is the law, but Republicans are doing everything they can to weaken it,” said Dan McGrath, executive director at TakeAction Minnesota. “We all need and deserve affordable health care. We won’t let the Trump Administration divide Minnesotans by forcing a false choice.”
The state’s Health Care Access Fund is already running dry. If a reinsurance deal is signed as is, it will further threaten the stability of Minnesota’s public health care programs for low-income residents.
“The Trump administration is offering a raw deal. In exchange for cheaper premiums for some Minnesotans, others will lose health care entirely. This is a short-sighted deal that not only divides us, it also hurts the health of our state,” said McGrath. “We urge Governor Dayton to do everything in his power to protect MinnesotaCare. We expect this to be another major health care issue in next year’s election.”
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, multiracial people’s organization working to advance democracy and equity through organizing, political action, and campaigns. The organization has offices in St. Paul and Duluth.
