Town hall meeting will be free and open to the public; Worthington and White Bear Lake area residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation

Plan would give an estimated 100,000 more Minnesotans the choice to purchase more affordable, high-quality health insurance for themselves and their families

ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith and Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper will hold town hall meetings in Worthington on November 16, 2017, and White Bear Lake on November 17, 2017, on the “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” proposal. The plan would allow Minnesotans who purchase their health coverage on the individual market to buy-into MinnesotaCare – a program that offers high-quality insurance at more affordable prices. Lt. Governor Smith and Commissioner Piper will review the proposal with Worthington and White Bear Lake area residents, hear their health care stories, and discuss what we can do together to improve access to affordable health insurance.

“Minnesotans are concerned about the rising cost of health insurance for ourselves and our families. This proposal can help,” said Lt. Governor Smith. “For 25 years, MinnesotaCare has offered a more affordable choice for 100,000 Minnesotans. Governor Dayton and I strongly believe that all Minnesotans should be able to purchase this high-quality health insurance. I look forward to hearing from Minnesotans about this proposal, and bringing their stories and input back to the Capitol ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session.”

Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith proposed the MinnesotaCare Buy-In last year. To lower prices and improve access for an estimated 100,000 more Minnesotans, the Governor and Lt. Governor want to give all Minnesotans who purchase their health insurance on the individual market the choice to buy into MinnesotaCare. Those who choose “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” would pay their own way – meaning the cost of their premiums would pay for their coverage.

While the Legislature did not approve MinnesotaCare Buy-In during the 2017 Legislative Session, they will have the opportunity to consider the proposal in 2018. If the plan is approved, MinnesotaCare Buy-In coverage would cost less than commercial health insurance plans. On top of those savings, Minnesotans who purchase MinnesotaCare Buy-In would still be eligible for federal tax credits through MNsure. This year, more than 70 percent of MNsure enrollees are receiving tax credits, averaging about $638 per month, or $7,656 per year.

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Event #1: Worthington Town Hall Meeting Details

WHO:
Lt. Governor Tina Smith
Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper
Senate Chief Author, State Senator Tony Lourey
House Chief Author, State Representative Clark Johnson
Worthington area residents
Area legislators

WHAT:
Town hall meeting to discuss MinnesotaCare Buy-In

WHEN:
Thursday, November 16, 2017
9:30am

WHERE:
Worthington Fire Station
830 Second Avenue
Worthington, Minnesota 56187

To view the event page for the Worthington Town Hall on Facebook, click here.

WHO:
Lt. Governor Tina Smith
Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper
White Bear Lake area residents
Area legislators

WHAT:
Town hall meeting to discuss MinnesotaCare Buy-In

WHEN:
Friday, November 17, 2017
9:30am

WHERE:
White Bear Lake City Hall
City Council Chambers
4701 Highway 61
White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110

To view the event page for the White Bear Lake Town Hall on Facebook, click here.