Minnesota insured rate spikes after MNsure

[question everything]

Source: StarTribune

Tens of thousands of Minnesotans gained health coverage between 2013 and 2015, pushing the state's uninsured rate to an all-time low as federal health reform took hold across the state.

A biannual survey released Monday by the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota showed that 213,000 more residents had health insurance last year compared to 2013. The share of Minnesotans lacking coverage plummeted from 8.2 percent to 4.3 percent, with progress in virtually all demographic groups. State officials hailed the role of MNsure, despite vexing technical problems for the online marketplace, for connecting more Minnesotans with coverage they previously lacked or couldn't afford. Expanded eligibility for the state's Medicaid program helped as well, along with new rules allowing young adults to remain on their parents' health plans.

(snip)

People who lack health insurance for an entire year have caused more concern than Minnesotans who experience a temporary loss of coverage due to job changes or other life events, for example. And that rate of "long-term uninsured" dipped from 6.1 percent in 2013 to 2.2 percent last year.

(snip)

Another sharp improvement came for adults ages 55 to 64, who have had higher uninsured rates in the past. Some have bided their time until qualifying for Medicare at age 65, while others had medical conditions that excluded them from plans for sale on the individual market. But the federal Affordable Care Act of 2010 prevents health plans on the exchanges from excluding anyone based on prior medical conditions, and the state survey saw a sharp drop in the uninsured rate for this population.


Read more: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-insured-rate-spikes-after-mnsure/370516931/

[jpak]

1. Yes we can!

[frazzled]

2. The ACA is working, and it will get better

In states like MN (I'm a former Minnesotan) and others, it is making a huge difference. In Republican states that have refused to expand Medicaid coverage, it's still struggling and leaves out those just above the poverty line (but more of these states will succumb, as time goes on).

There are still a lot of ways to tweak it for factors like affordability and networks, but these are achievable goals.

It took many years for Social Security to cover everyone, and for cost-of-living increases to be implemented. The ACA will progress as well.

[geardaddy]

3. As a person with a pre-existing condition

I was glad when the ACA passed, albeit without the public option. As an independent contractor, I got healthcare through a state exchange prior to the ACA, but the cost was high. When the ACA passed my monthly premiums were cut in half. However, now my premiums with BCBS of MN have nearly doubled again. So, I only got a reprieve for about a year. I'm terrified of how much they'll go up next year.

[Wellstone ruled]

4. Understand there are some County's

on the Western Side that are fighting ACA or any other Insurance programs. Sad to say as a former Minnesotan and DFLer,some of our own Leaders are so damn beholding to United Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield,so friggin tired of these People who run around afraid of some Rethug reprisal. Get over it and grow a pair.

[frazzled]

5. Are there any alternatives to BCBS for you? /nt

[geardaddy]

6. BCBS was the cheapest/most comprehensive I could get. n/t

[frazzled]

7. Maybe some plans will be added by next enrollment period.

Or I hope something works out for you!

[geardaddy]

8. Thanks!

I would prefer not to have to shop and try each insurance though. I'd prefer Universal Healthcare.