Minnesota lawmakers eye universal public insurance option

Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill to expand MinnesotaCare, the state's program for those with low incomes, to all residents, the Pioneer Press reported Feb. 8. 

MinnesotaCare is the state's program to provide insurance to lower-income workers who make too much to qualify for Medicaid. 

Democrats have introduced a bill in the Minnesota legislature that would allow any resident to purchase insurance through MinnesotaCare. 

The Minnesota Hospital Association is opposed to the bill, concerned the public program would not pay providers high enough reimbursements. 

"If eligibility is allowed to be broader without a reasonable income ceiling, current payment rates could jeopardize a sustainable healthcare system," Minnesota Hospital Association Vice President of Government Relations Mary Krinkie said at a meeting of the Minnesota House commerce committee

If the proposed legislation is enacted, Minnesota would become the fourth state to create a public insurance option. 

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