The Minnesota Health Plan
Feb 13, 2008 Health Care, News
On February 9, 2008, a date to remember, a group of newly elected freshmen legislators, including myself, introduced a Single Payer Universal Health Plan to members of the Northfield Community. Representatives Carolyn Laine, Shelly Madore, and myself, along with Senator John Marty sponsored a Town Hall meeting at the Library to educate the citizens of Northfield about our proposal for a single payer health system called “The Minnesota Health Plan.”
After hearing a very personal and touching story from Rep. Madore of Apple Valley that involved her daughter diagnosed with a tumor on her spine, we were informed of some very alarming statistics by Rep. Laine. More than 1 trillion dollars has been re-mortgaged in this country of which 40% was actually used to pay expenses attributed to astronomical health care costs. Thousands of families and individuals have extracted money from their college and retirement funds in order to pay for unanticipated health care costs that insurance companies failed or refused to cover.
Approximately 70 people attended, and judging from the questions asked, this proposal generated a great deal of excitement. One woman said she had waited 53 years to witness a movement like this. Other citizens wanted to know answers to more specific questions about what will be covered. Would the plan cover such things as acupuncture, or holistic or more natural approaches to health care? Will dependents or college students be covered? Many of these questions are valid and will not be discounted; however the purpose of this type of forum is to generate interest in the proposal. At this point, the MN Health Plan that we are proposing consists of these details:
1: All Minnesota citizens will be included and covered.
2: We are proposing no deductibles or co-pays.
3: No discrimination regarding pre-conditions.
4: You will have the freedom to choose your own doctor.
5: This coverage will be guaranteed for life.
6: Premiums will be based on your ability to pay.
7: The plan will focus on prevention and early intervention.
You can refer to Mnhealthplan.org for more information. Also available to learn more refer to the Minnesota Universal Health Care Coalition website as well as the Greater Minnesota Health Care Coalition website. As one Carleton student asked, after telling the audience she was just learning issues regarding health care: What opposition could there be to a proposal that had such good and fair goals and what should she be prepared to hear from those that will oppose it? The opposition to this bill will be immense, as Rep. Fritz said; “It is David against Goliath.” However, we have done our research and we will be prepared to defend the merits of this bill. No longer can we stand back and watch Minnesota citizens suffer the consequences of a failed health care policy. The time to act is now!
As we travel across the State of Minnesota presenting our plan to more citizens it is our hope that we will create a groundswell of support for the MN Health Plan. In order for this proposal to take root, attendees will need to get involved and talk to their co-workers, their neighbors, their Doctors and their friends and encourage them to write their legislative representatives and persuade them to support this bill. To assist in the best way possible, download and sign the form I have included then mail to either your Representative or Senator. To view information about your elected officials you can visit the House of Representatives website or the Minnesota Senate website.
