Health care is a fundamental right and we have to do everything in our power to make it fair and accessible. That’s why we support @GovMarkDayton’s MinnesotaCare buy-in for better health care for all Minnesotans. Read Chairman Martin’s op-ed >

Health care should be a right, not a privilege.

Yet many Minnesotans do not have health coverage or struggle to afford their premiums. We must take action to ease the burden of rising health care costs on Minnesota families and make health care more accessible, so no person has to risk going without health care coverage.

That is why we support Governor Mark Dayton’s proposal to expand the state’s MinnesotaCare program. The program, which has historically served low-income families, provides Minnesotans with affordable, quality health coverage. By removing the program’s current income restrictions, the governor’s plan would allow all Minnesotans who purchase their health insurance on the individual market the choice to “buy-in” to MinnesotaCare. This proposal, known as the “MinnesotaCare Buy-In,” would help an estimated 100,000 Minnesotans purchase better health coverage at prices estimated to be 28 percent less than other commercial health plans.

The plan would inject more competition into the marketplace. It would give Minnesotans more options, especially in rural areas where there is often only one provider. It would drive down medical expenses for working families, and cost nothing for taxpayers.

The MinnesotaCare Buy-In is a win-win. Minnesotans should speak up, and demand that the legislature pass this proposal immediately. It’s time for affordable health care.

healthcare · issues

We’ve done posts on the GOP’s use of language and how you need to check to see what’s really happening (it’s usually the opposite of what they’re saying, by the by).

In their floor speeches, etc. about this program, they’ve been relying on two key talking points (what public speakers call their main points). They’re calling this program “unsustainable” and “duplicative.”

When they call MinnesotaCare “unsustainable”, they’re implying that federal funding will be going away because Minnesota is the only state that has a Basic Healthcare Plan.

What’s the truth? (more…)

healthcare · MinnesotaCare · Orwellian language

It’s been 5 years since President Obama signed this act into law and now more Americans have health insurance than ever before – many for the first time. The uninsured rate has dropped dramatically – the largest drop in four decades – and everyday more and more Americans are benefitting from the law.

• More than 16 million: the number of previously uninsured Americans who have gained access to quality health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. 
• Almost 6 million: the number of young adults under the age of 26 who have gained coverage since 2010, including the 2.3 million who were able to stay on their parents plans thanks to the Affordable Care Act. 
• 35 percent: the reduction in the uninsured rate since the first open enrollment in October 2013. 
• Up to 129 million: the number of people with pre-existing conditions who can no longer be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. 
• 9.4 million: the number of seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare who have saved over $15 billion on prescription drugs, an average of $1,598 per beneficiary. 

And let’s not forget… 

• About 12 million: the number of private sector jobs that have been added to the American economy since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in March 2010.
• 60: the number of consecutive months of private sector job growth, the longest streak on record.  

Democrats remain committed to making sure that affordable health coverage is within reach for every American and will continue to fight to improve the lives of working Americans all over the country. The Affordable Care Act is working across the nation, and it is here to stay.

ACA · Affordable Care Act · healthcare · Obamacare

As Congressman Erik Paulsen continues to stack the deck for special interests and focus on the wrong priorities, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched a new paid campaign to highlight the totality of his damaging health care agenda, which hurts Minnesotans at every stage of their lives.

Sick N’ Broke – modeled after the Game of Life – features an online board game that tracks the many costly games Congressman Paulsen and Republicans play with Americans’ health care, from the cradle to the grave.

“Whether it’s being able to afford an emergency C-section, making sure kids get the right nutrition, ensuring women don’t have to pay more for their care or guaranteeing Medicare’s future, Congressman Paulsen and his Republicans play reckless games that hurt your health at every stage of life – all because they would rather stack the deck for their special interest buddies,” said Emily Bittner of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Now you can see just how much of a mess Congressman Paulsen would make of your health care – but one spoiler alert: in this game, you can’t win.”

See the ad running in Congressman Paulsen’s district below or play the game at www.RepublicanHealthGames.com

Congressman Paulsen · Erik Paulsen · health care · healthcare · medicare · Sick 'n Broke