Republicans at the Minnesota Legislature are less than enthusiastic about Governor Mark Dayton’s proposal to make state-subsidized MinnesotaCare available for purchase on the MNsure exchange, along with the commercial insurance policies currently available. G-O-P lawmakers warn against further expansion of government programs, but Dayton argues, “One of the biggest concerns this year was that there are so few providers in so many of the areas of the state, and this would be one additional one that could provide competitively-priced and even lower-cost health insurance with better coverage.”
Meanwhile, top Republicans at the State Capitol say they’re close to agreement with Governor Mark Dayton on short-term relief for those hit with big increases in health insurance premiums. House Speaker Kurt Daudt acknowledges Republicans still don’t believe that Dayton’s plan is the best way to handle rebates, but Daudt says “it doesn’t mean we’re not willing to do it — and I think that ought to tell you something.” But Republicans also continue pushing for what they term first steps toward long-term reform of health insurance in Minnesota. Governor Dayton says such complex changes should be carefully considered and not voted on until later.