The Minnesota legislature reconvened on February and it was understood that the main focus would be on the bonding bill. But this session has introduced a copious amount of bills (approximately 4,000) affecting Minnesotans in many aspects. The main topics that have dominated the debate so far are the federal tax conformity, gun control, rescuing the MNLARS system, and elder abuse. Out of the many health related bills that were introduced, several proposals have the potential of either influencing or affecting the wellbeing of the Latinx* community and diverse communities at large.
MCLA advocated this session in favor of a medical interpreters registry bill (
HF2023/SF1708). This bill would replace the current roster with a new registry system that would add two categories (Registration and Certification) to existent or potential interpreters to guarantee quality interpreting services required under federal law. HF 2023 had a
hearing in the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee and was re-referred to House Government Operations and Elections Policy Committee. The legislative deadline in remaining committees were not met and the bill will not be going through this session.
Other promising bills include
HF 2724 that introduces a prohibition on school lunch providers from shaming students due to school lunch debt.
HF 2753/SF 2310 authorizes the Board of Medical Practice to issue a limited license for international medical graduates to practice medicine in rural or underserved communities.
HF 2827/SF 2532 extends the premium subsidy program through 2018 to help people pay their private insurance premium.
HF 2987/SF 2562 establishes a prescription drug repository program.
HF 3246/SF 3388 establishes a task force on childhood trauma-informed policy and practices.
MCLA supports Governor Mark Dayton’s call to make MinnesotaCare available to every Minnesotan. MinnesotaCare would be provided by the state to Minnesotans who are not able to pay for private insurance but do not meet the requirement to receive Medical Assistance. The cost of enrollees’ premiums would cover the full cost of their coverage. The move towards “public option” will greatly benefit every community, including the Latinx community of Minnesota, by offering affordable healthcare.
On the other hand, legislation introduced by the Republicans adds an obstacle when it comes to being a medical assistance recipient.
HF 3722/SF 3611 would place a work and community engagement requirement for medical assistance enrollees. However, the poor should not have to work just to prove they are worthy to receive healthcare. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. When it comes to being members of a community that has been historically and institutionally marginalized, it is difficult to gain basic work experience needed in order to keep up with an increasingly competitive job market. As a result, employers would be more reluctant to hire and the medical assistance recipients will have their insurance stripped away from them.
*Latinx is used instead of Latino(a) in order to be mindful of gender neutrality.
