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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sondra Erickson (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Sondra Erickson

Friday, January 12, 2018

Friends and neighbors,

I hope you had a blessed holiday season spent with friends and family and that 2018 is off to a great start. The upcoming legislative session is slated to begin on February 20th and I look forward to continuing to represent you and your family in St. Paul.

2018 March for Life

The 2018 March for Life rally will be held MondayJanuary 22 on the front steps of the Capitol. The program is set to begin at 12:30. I encourage you to attend and be a part of the thousands of individuals who will gather across the country on that day to peacefully protest our nation’s abortion laws. Following the program, I will be hosting constituents and friends in the Governor's Dining Room of the capitol basement. Please dress warmly if you are planning to attend.

Agricultural Co-ops

Last session the Legislature paved the way for agricultural cooperative health plans. These plans help provide health insurance options for farmers and agribusiness employees.

On Monday, the Star Tribune reported that there are already more than 1,700 Minnesotans taking advantage of these new agriculture co-op health insurance options. These options were specifically designed to help families and individuals living in rural Minnesota that had seen their options decrease and premiums increase as a result of Obamacare.

Expanding agriculture co-ops was just one of several major health care reforms implemented during the 2017 legislative session. Others include:

  • Ending the restriction on for-profit health carriers, which has already led to expanded options for seniors and employees.
  • A nationally-recognized reinsurance program that helped reduce and stabilize premium rates for thousands of Minnesotans.
  • A new law requiring health plans to offer access to at least two different provider systems, improving network access.
  • Reducing barriers for small businesses to self-insure their employees.
  • Consumer protections to end "surprise billing" by requiring disclosure of potential out-of-network charges prior to procedures.

That’s all for this week’s update. Please be sure to contact my office via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-6746 if you have any questions or comments related to state government. It would be great to speak with you.

Have a great weekend,

Sondra