Like many people, I am not especially interested in studying health-care reform. I know it's important, but the details are complicated, technical and dry. Bring it up at a get-together and there's a good chance you won't be invited back.
It's important because, for many people, private health insurance is currently unaffordable. One of my business-
owning friends must choose between paying his bills and carrying private health insurance. When he recently injured his ankle, lacking insurance, he left it untreated. Sadly, a serious injury or illness could push him into bankruptcy.
Fortunately, Sen. Tony Lourey, DFL-Kerrick, and Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, are working tirelessly to create a Minnesota health-care exchange to operate as a competitive marketplace, thereby making health insurance more affordable. Their detailed plan will allow consumers and businesses to comparison-shop online for competitively priced policies. That's similar to the way travelers use the Internet to comparison-shop for airline tickets.
The advantage of a state-based exchange, as opposed to a federal exchange, is it can be tailored to meet Minnesota's unique needs. The proposed Minnesota exchange is to be designed to be person-centered, cost-effective and efficient.
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If Lourey's (SF1) and Atkins' (HF5) bills become law, Minnesota's health-care exchange will be governed by a seven-member board. Much to the for-profit insurance industry's displeasure, membership on the board will not be allowed if a direct financial conflict of interest exists.
I'm thankful for Lourey's and Atkins' dedication to ensuring Minnesotans get a fair deal in the health-insurance market. I urge all Minnesotans to encourage their legislators to support Senate File No. 1 and House File No. 5.
Byron Kuster
Moose Lake
