Health Insurance Exchange Passes in State House, Rep. Erickson Votes in Favor

ST. PAUL, MN– The Minnesota House of Representatives today passed a bill that will create a state health insurance exchange where Minnesotans can compare and purchase health insurance coverage. Rep. Roger Erickson (DFL – Baudette) voted in favor of creating the exchange, which will serve approximately 1.2 million people in the state.

“Health insurance is something that all families need,” said Rep. Erickson. “But right now, thousands of families have a very tough time finding plans that are affordable. This exchange will act as a kind of one stop shop for finding which plans work for you.”

Minnesota families are expected to save over $1 billion by using the exchange to purchase insurance, with the average family saving $500 and a lower-income family saving approximately $1800.

The exchange will also help small businesses provide affordable health care choices to their employees. Small businesses currently pay on average 18 percent more than large businesses and the exchange will help them save up to 7.5 percent off premium costs.

“Right now, when people are uninsured their emergency room bills affect everyone else’s health care costs dramatically,” said Rep. Erickson. “But this bill will drive down those costs by providing cheaper preventable care that can reduce the chance of high cost procedures in the long term.”

The exchange will be funded through self-sustaining charges on plan premiums and is unlikely to require any General Fund dollars. Minnesota has had two years to pass a bill creating a health insurance exchange, but failed to do so until under new leadership this session. If the Legislature had failed to pass this bill by March 31st, it would have been stuck with a one size fits all exchange created by the federal government.

Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Erickson encourages all constituents to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. Erickson can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4265 or by email at rep.roger.erickson@house.mn.