Resources, State Efforts
Minnesota 2020 Health Care Legislative Guide
Health care access and cost remains one of the most important problems facing America.
- Minnesota, historically, boasts one of the lowest uninsured rates in the nation (4.4% in 2018).
- However, Minnesota’s unemployment rate jumped to 9.9% in May 2020, which likely severed tens of thousands of Minnesotans from their employer-sponsored insurance.
- In March and April 2020, 9,482 Minnesotans enrolled in private health insurance plans, and more than 13,700 applied for public health insurance programs during MNsure’s special enrollment period.
- A disproportionate number of people infected with Coronavirus (44% on June 8th) are black, indigenous, and people of color while making up 20% of the state’s population.
- As of June 5, 2020, nearly 80% of people who have died from COVID-19 in Minnesota were residents of long-term care facilities.
- In May 2020, Minnesota’s current state budget — which goes through June 2021 — was projected to incur a $2.42 billion budget deficit due to the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the need for practical solutions that address both the immediate challenges and the long-term gaps in our health care systems to ensure Minnesotans can access quality health care they can afford.
Key Messages for Candidates:
- Acknowledge the moment: “Our country is at a pivotal moment. The pandemic, economic recession, and national discussion on race have created a renewed call for action. They have also magnified the critical problems that exist in our health care system.”
- Take an active stance: “It is long past time to examine our systems and address gaps that have existed for decades. We must find solutions and common ground to build a health care system that serves everyone.”
- Commit to prioritizing people’s needs: “I will put people’s health care needs first and I’m already formalizing the ways I gather input and work with community and business leaders to put effective solutions in place.”
- Commit to addressing disparities and finding common ground: “The health care system, as it’s currently structured, isn’t working for far too many. I will work to address the lack of fairness and shared needs to build a health care system that works for all of us.”
Health Care During the COVID Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the need for effective solutions that address both the immediate challenges and the long-term gaps in our health care systems to ensure people can access quality health care they can afford. In the wake of COVID, policymakers have a critical opportunity to enact solutions to meet their constituents’ short- and long-term health care needs. The 2020 Health Care Legislative Candidate Guide provides candidates with public opinion data, state-specific health care information, key messages and ideas for your health care platform.
For more information or to seek assistance, contact USofCare at [email protected].