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Who the 1.8% Health Care Provider Tax is All About

In Minnesota, we know that our lives and communities are interconnected. Each one of us plays a role in helping our state thrive. From the farmer who wakes up early to prepare the land, to the grocer who stocks the vegetables, to the parents who feed and care for their children – we show up every day for each other and the people we love.

But in order to show up for our communities, families, and loved ones, we need health care that we can count on.

This session, Minnesotans came together to fight for and protect their health care. The health care provider tax funds the Health Care Access Fund, which is the primary funding for Medicare and Medicaid. It has been around for over 25 years, and every state except for Alaska has some version of it. It is a safety net that is there for Minnesotans when they need it most.

In order to avoid a shutdown in 2011, Gov. Dayton made a deal to sunset the health care provider tax in 2019 — this year. But Minnesotans rose up across the state to save it. And we won.

For legislators this session, the health care provider tax has been reduced to a number — 1.8% specifically.… Continue reading »

Real People, Real Lives: Sunshine’s Story

By: Sunshine Hedlund

In 2012, I left a job that I did not like, though it had good insurance, to become a nanny—a job I love. I assumed I could get an individual insurance policy, but I was denied due to pre-existing conditions. Their reasons? Past kidney stones, polycystic ovary syndrome, and a height to weight ratio insurers deemed unacceptable though I was otherwise healthy.

Minnesota’s high-risk pool’s premiums were far too expensive for limited benefits. In fact, it was so costly that it was cheaper for me to pay for COBRA benefits through my former employer, which was still ridiculously expensive.

Fortunately, soon after my COBRA benefits ended, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was in place and I secured an affordable plan through MNSure. Thanks to the ACA, we were also able to get insurance for my husband, who had been uninsured for years due to the cost.


I want politicians to know that these are real people, real lives that they are hurting. Real lives they are impacting with their votes.

Then in 2014, after years of trying, I got pregnant. When we reapplied through MNSure, I (and my baby) ended up qualifying for Medical Assistance—which was huge for us.… Continue reading »

The Alabama Abortion Ban

Last night, 25 white men in Alabama passed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. For weeks, we’ve been watching predominately white men in Georgia, Ohio, and Alabama, pass laws that restrict women’s health care, traumatize victims, throw doctors in jail, and slap pregnant women with felony convictions if they need abortion care.

UPDATE: I’m Sen. Relph’s Constituent. First, He Refused to Protect My Care. Then, He Walked Away.

At the end of April, I, along with other constituents in St. Cloud, spoke with Sen. Relph about why the provider tax is so critical to our health. I shared my dental story—how my teeth have rotted because of lack of coverage. Sen. Relph refused to commit to protecting our health care.

Last week, when I saw him at the Capitol, I asked him yet again to vote with the people and protect the provider tax.

Instead of listening to my story, Sen. Relph talked down to me. He raised his voice at me. And then he walked away from me. And all I could think was this: he doesn’t care.

WATCH IT NOW

He doesn’t care about me, his constituent.

He doesn’t care about my struggles with health care.

He doesn’t care about the provider tax.

He doesn’t care about Medicaid, or any other Minnesota program that gives us health care that we need.

I like Sen. Relph. I wanted to believe he would advocate for people in St. Cloud. Be a hero. Protect our care. A part of me still hopes that, because I need him to. If the provider tax sunsets, his health care won’t be compromised.… Continue reading »

Climate Change is Real. Our Electeds Need to Listen and Take Action.

By: Halley Norman

Before speaking with Senator Osmek, I knew my reasons for caring about climate justice and believing in the campaign for 100% renewable energy, but I was less clear on why it was so important for me to have that conversation with elected officials directly. More than anything else, that’s what changed for me within the barely two minutes I got to speak with Sen. Osmek.

Once I’d started telling my story, I expected a critique of my argument, alternate proposals, or a defense. What I didn’t expect was that his first response would be to question why he was being recorded, and why we couldn’t have a one-on-one meeting instead. The second I shared with him my belief that, as an elected official, he should be able to say the same things to me and his constituency in public as he would in private, he shut down.

“We’re done here. Thank you.” A door almost slammed in my face.

Sen. Osmek, as an elected official, made a commitment to be a public figure. As a representative of the people, he made a commitment to hear us out. My senator does not sit on the Energy Committee, nor do those of most Minnesotans.… Continue reading »

Nothing Else: Aya’s Story

Right now, I’m on Medical Assistance (MA). I’m grateful for the coverage, but I struggle to access the dental care that I need. Despite the fact that dental health is critical to our overall health, dental health care isn’t covered by MA the same way as general health care. MA covers the very basics, and at only a handful of clinics. That means I have to wait weeks to months to get an appointment.

Cleanings, extractions, x-rays, dentures and check-ups are covered—but nothing else. Imagine the stress of needing oral health care and not being able to afford it.

Because of the lack of coverage, my teeth are rotten. I need dentures, but unfortunately, I can’t get them. The dentists I have visited who accept Medicaid and provide dentures have shamed me for having bad teeth at such a young age. Instead, I’ve been told I should “fix” my rotten teeth. Of course, that would require work not covered by MA, so I would be billed obscene amounts of money.

The clinics are also often not up-to-date, with ancient equipment that makes me feel unsafe and at-risk.


I feel completely neglected by care providers and I also feel as if the State of Minnesota—generally—does not care about my needs, given that this has been allowed to go on for so long.

… Continue reading »

We asked Senator Relph to Commit to Protecting Our Health Care. He Refused.

“If I had access to dental care that covered what I need, I would not have rotten teeth that give me endless pain.”

That’s the story St. Cloud member Ayase shared during TakeAction Minnesota’s “Creating People-Centered Care: Health Care Round Table” with Senator Jerry Relph and Representative Dan Wolgamott.

Ayase is on Medical Assistance, but coverage for dental care is limited. She has struggled to find dentists who will take her coverage and actually give her the services she needs. The Minnesota House and Governor Walz have a plan to expand dental care. But the Minnesota Senate proposed budget not only fails to expand care, they actually cut it.

“I would be able to eat without having to worry about injuries or food stuck in my mouth causing more problems. And maybe, just maybe, I could actually get the care I need and not be forced to settle for just barely enough.”

With threats to the health care provider tax, Ayase is not only fighting for adequate dental care, but now she has to fight for her health care coverage in general. Without the provider tax, the Health Care Access Fund, which funds MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance, will be drained. And the health care of Minnesotans like Ayase will be in jeopardy.… Continue reading »

Give Mothers What They Deserve. Give Them Paid Time to Care.

When I first found I out that I was pregnant in December, I was over the moon with excitement.  Not only was our family about to grow, but I felt an amazing sense of responsibility, awe, and wonder. I am already a mother to my bonus kids, but I felt excited to experience pregnancy and giving birth for the first time. 

Oddly, out of the blue, I also started feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety. I couldn’t put my finger on it. I worked in childcare for over 5 years. I’m the oldest of seven kids. I have been around babies my whole life and I have seen five births in person. I’m also 36, so the jig is up. I feel prepared and know what to expect.

So where was this anxiety coming from?

Then one day my mom was reminiscing about her pregnancies with me and my siblings. About how she watched me roll from one side of her belly to the other, and the way her body changed during each pregnancy. She talked about the food cravings she had with each of us (all different, of course). 

  • Me with my six siblings

Then she talked about working right up until she went into delivery, and going back to work no more than two weeks after having us.… Continue reading »

Care We Can Count On: Raye’s Story

By: Raye Perez

Last spring, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, in addition to diabetes, which I have been working to manage for a while. It was a difficult time, but I was able to get on the right medication and manage both my physical and mental health.

After finding the medication that worked, I was able to keep working and going to school without feeling burnt out, exhausted, or sick. When I started to feel better, I was able to give back to my community even more by becoming involved in politics and campus organizations.

Without my care, I wouldn’t be who I am and my life would be dramatically different.

I’m enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield through my parents’ employer. I can go to the doctor and get the medications I need at little-to-no-cost upfront. If I didn’t, I don’t know how I would afford my medications. I already work two jobs, and I rely on my medications to be able to work in the first place.


Despite the privilege of having health care, the constant worry of losing coverage looms over me. We deserve stable, affordable health care we can count on.

I have coverage now, but when I turn 26, I could lose that coverage.… Continue reading »

People’s House Series: Rep. Aisha Gomez on Taxes, Abundance, and Interdependence

April 24, 2019

When I came to the legislature I didn’t expect to be working on taxes so much.

But I’ve found that it’s a place to stand up for working people and those suffering under the deepest wealth and income inequality in generations.

It’s a place to push back against the legacies of settler colonialism and slavery which are the basis for our entire economy and are in part responsible for Minnesota having the deepest racial disparities in the country.

Rep. Aisha Gomez, 62B and member of the House Tax Committee

It’s a place to reject the lie of trickle down economics and the politics of austerity and assert that we have enough.

It’s a place where we can make the case that our natural state as humans is not ruthless competition and utility maximizing but interdependence and relationship.

That another world is possible if we make different decisions.

Last night just before midnight we passed a tax bill that increases taxes on capital gains, prevents the estate tax exemption from going up, brings back money that corporations are stashing in overseas tax shelters, and makes big investments in the Working Family Tax Credit.

Beyond the direct investments that are in the Tax bill, it is our insistence that the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share that is making all the other parts of the budget possible: debt-free college, historic investments in education, community-based public safety, and so much more.… Continue reading »

People Over Profits: Our Stories

Minnesotans are struggling under the weight of prescription drug costs. We have a choice this session: allow our health care money to go to profits, or pass legislation to make sure our health care money goes to care. This week, we’re sharing stories of how the rising cost of prescription drugs are affecting every day Minnesotans.

HEALTH IN JEOPARDY

“I lost my job last month. My first fear wasn’t how am I going to eat or pay rent. My first fear was, ‘How am I going to afford my mental health medications that will help me survive during this extremely challenging time, when my mental health is in most jeopardy?’ Even before I applied for unemployment, I applied for MinnesotaCare. I thankfully was able to get on a program to keep my medications.” -Andy, Minneapolis

25 KIDNEY STONES

“I’ve had over 25 kidney stones in my life, but I stopped taking a medication prescribed to prevent forming new stones because it costs more than $1000 for three months’ worth of pills. When I was first prescribed the medication, I had great employers sponsored insurance which covered the costs. Now, I have to buy my insurance on the exchange and there is no way I can afford the cost.… Continue reading »

Health Care Cheat Sheet

We know you care about fighting for our families, communities, and environment. But navigating health care policy can feel as frustrating as actually navigating our current health care system (IOW: really, really frustrating).  

We’re less than six weeks away from the end of the 2019 legislative session. It’s a lot to keep up with—but we’ve got you covered. We put together a health care cheat sheet to break down what’s important this session.

Your health care study guide

Minnesotans voted in 2018 for health care that puts people first. Governor Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan, and the House DFL heard us loud and clear. They’re standing with Minnesotans who have been calling for more affordable, accessible health care options. But a handful of elected officials are standing the way of the people.

Our health care study guide breaks it down for you. 

PROTECTING THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TAX

Background: In 2011, the Legislature struck a deal with the Governor to “sunset” the health care provider tax on December 31, 2019—this year. The health care provider tax funds the Health Care Access Fund, the key funding source for MinnesotaCare, Medicare, and other public health programs. Without it, the state would lose nearly $700 million a year for health care programs, putting thousands of Minnesotans’ health care in jeopardy.… Continue reading »

Out of Reach: McKenzie’s Story

By: McKenzie Shappell

I am 25. Anyone my age is keenly aware of that number and shares my anxiety as they contemplate the very real cost that one more birthday represents.

While many of us have long been forced by circumstance to manage our health care alone, still more of us are now preparing to face that hydra as we prepare to age out of our parents’ insurance plans. In a matter of months, I will join the throngs of Americans chasing the elusive specter of continuous employment (at 25? Please.) or taking their chances on the exchange. This is the anxious reality for the vast numbers of us in need of medication to treat chronic and temporary conditions, battle mental illness, and prevent diseases.

As a gay man, I’m considered to be part of a high-risk community—one where the chances of contracting HIV through sexual contact are greater than for most other groups. Like countless others in my community, I use a pre-exposure prophylaxis drug known commonly as Truvada, to prevent the spread of HIV from person to person. Truvada is also often utilized in the treatment and management of HIV itself and is therefore vital to the health and welfare of people across the spectrum of sexual orientation.… Continue reading »

Not Alone: Katy’s Story

By: Katy W.

I’ve grown up in St. Cloud since age 5. This is the community I’ve chosen to raise my kids in and the city I’ve chosen to be involved in. I chaired my neighborhood association, and have been involved in local politics, my church, and TakeAction Minnesota.

I’m also one of many people in our community who has had to make incredibly hard choices because of a sick family member and a system of care that wasn’t there for me and my family.

The first year my son was diagnosed with LCH, a cross between a cancer and a leukemia, I felt incredibly isolated and scared. I was a new mother with a sick 2-year-old. It was overwhelming. I had a 6-week-old baby and a 2-year-old who was projectile vomiting like The Exorcist. It wasn’t just overwhelming. It was one of the worst times in my life.

We got access to medical assistance through the county and state, but we still struggled to make ends meet. Going from two incomes to one makes a huge difference when you are choosing between gas to get to work or fresh apples at the market or diapers. It’s hard to make ends meet and not end up homeless because you didn’t pay rent. … Continue reading »

This Equal Pay Day—Let’s Work to Pass Paid Time to Care

By: Mai Chong Xiong

Tuesday is Equal Pay Day, the day where women’s average wages “catch-up” to what white men earned in 2018.

That’s right—three additional months.

As a mother and worker, this issue hits close to home for me. On average, women earn 0.80 cents to the dollar, but the wage gap is worse for women of color. Black women earn 0.61 cents to the dollar, Native women 0.58 cents, and Latina women 0.53 cents. Hmong women’s equal pay day isn’t until September.

The underlying causes of the wage gap are structural and systemic. We need a slate of solutions, both cultural and political, to close the gap.


On average, Minnesota women who are working full-time lose a combined total of nearly $15 billion every year due to the wage gap.

THIS IS PERSONAL.

When I had my first child, I was privileged to take paid maternity leave for twelve weeks with a combination of short-term disability, paid leave, and vacation hours. Just a few days after we came home from the hospital, my father-in-law had a heart attack and was hospitalized for weeks.

Between caring for a newborn and a sick loved one, my husband lost his job because he had taken “too much” time to care for his family.… Continue reading »

5 Minnesota Businesses Supporting Equal Pay, Paid Time to Care

Tuesday, April 2 is Equal Pay Day, when we acknowledge the time it takes for women’s average salaries in the United States to catch-up to what white men earned in 2018.

That’s right—three whole months. 

On average, women in Minnesota earn roughly 82 cents for every dollar a white man earns. And that gap widens when you factor in race—Asian American women in Minnesota earn 72 cents to the dollar, Black women earn 60 cents to the dollar, Native American women earn 57 cents to the dollar, and Latinas earn 53 cents to the dollar.

And we know that other factors, such as age, ability, immigration status, sexuality, and gender identity, also affect equal pay.

There’s no single cause to the wage gap. Sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination manifest into bias in opportunity, mentorship and networking, hiring, salaries, promotions, and leave practices. We need both cultural and structural changes to close the gap, including a slate of policy reforms like paycheck transparency, paid family and medical leave (PFML), and earned sick and safe time (ESST).

This year at the legislature, we have an opportunity to help bridge the divide by passing PFML and ESST statewide.… Continue reading »

Climate Change is About Everyone

By: Helen Clanaugh

The climate movement is about everyone.

It’s an issue that intersects with racial justice, gender justice, class, LGBTQ+ and disability rights. No matter your age, religion, or political affiliation— this issue affects all of us, one way or another.

That’s why we need to act now. A lot of times people ask me how I remain so positive while advocating for climate justice, knowing how big and scary this issue can be. We have 11 years to do something, so remaining positive and continuing to fight is the only hope we have as young people.

This is about my future, your future, and everyone that will come after us.

Helen speaking at the Duluth Youth Climate Strike, which she co-organized, on March 15.

I got involved with the climate movement because of my passion for protecting the planet, but it has morphed into so much more than that. It’s about our Indigenous communities that have and continue to fight to preserve our natural resources. It’s about my Black and brown neighbors who are disproportionately affected by climate change. And it’s about all the children that don’t even know what climate change is yet. I’ve always had a passion for the natural world and have found peace within it.… Continue reading »

State lawmakers debate high cost of medication

Claire Henn of St. Paul said the drug she relied on for her rheumatoid arthritis jumped from $60 per treatment to $1,400 per treatment. She went without it for three years until a charity helped pay for the drug.

During a state Capitol news conference, Henn said something must be done.

“I’m a senior on a low income with a small pension. There’s no way I can pay $1,400 a month for treatment,” she said.

McKenzie Shappell, also of St. Paul, shared similar concerns. Shappell, 25, is about to lose health care coverage under his parents’ insurance. The pills he needs cost $1,700 for a month’s supply.

“As the price of drugs in our state continues to spiral out of control and out of reach for too many of us, it is absolutely imperative that we pass legislation that cements control of prescription drug costs solely with those whose health and healing depends on them and removes it forever from the hands of those who profit from them,” said Shappell.

[…]

Read more. … Continue reading »

Better and Healthier: Willa’s Story

By: Willa Pearls

A few weeks ago, I ended up in the hospital. I survived because of Medicaid and Medicare. These programs allow me to do the things that keep me alive and allow me to live a productive life.

I have needed health care my whole life, like every person in this country. But in my 40s, after physical and stress-related health problems, I found myself disabled and unable to work. I have diabetes, a mild anxiety disorder, and other health issues that limit my ability to work, move around, and get what I need.


I want people to realize that life happened to me, and what happened to me can happen to anyone.

I’m lucky to have children who are wonderful and help me in my life. I’m lucky to have people in my community who help me and whom I can help. I like my life, and I would not be able to have the life I have without programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Having affordable health care gave me the chance to get my master’s degree and complete PhD courses. Having affordable health care gave me the ability to substitute teach in the Minneapolis School District.

I currently tutor in my community.… Continue reading »

People’s House Series: In Minnesota, We Fix The Potholes Together

In Minnesota, we fix the potholes together.

As Minnesotans, we care deeply about each other. We value freedom and opportunity for all. We know that our destinies are tied together.

That’s why, when it comes to questions about taxes and public investments, I know the question is really simple: What kind of world do we want to live in together?

Growing up in a loving family that lived on the financial brink my life was filled with physical and metaphorical potholes. We were one broken car, missed paycheck or unexpected bill away from not making ends meet. I knew it was public investments—in food, housing, and medical assistance—that smoothed our bumpy path, and kept my siblings and me safe and healthy.

As the snow melts and the potholes begin to show, I’ve been thinking a lot about the essential role of government in our lives.

None of us can get the health care we need on our own as individuals. We can’t build streets on our own. And we can’t rein in corporations from polluting our environment or exploiting working people on our own.

Our government is responsible for making sure all of us have the opportunity to live the American dream, and nobody is left behind.… Continue reading »

State of Fear: Jacob’s Story

By: Jacob Skahl

Last December, I lost my health care for three months. It felt terrible. I knew that if anything happened, the out-of-pocket expenses would make it impossible for me to pay rent or buy food. I spent over $100 just to go to a routine doctor’s appointment and get a prescription refilled. I was in a constant state of fear that something would happen.

When I didn’t have access to health care for those three months, I worried about how I would get the care I needed. Now that I am on MinnesotaCare, I worry about how I will afford it. Even with coverage, I’m constantly asking myself if I will be able to survive a medical emergency.


Every day health care is on my mind. And every day I make hard choices between making ends meet and dealing with pain.

This lack of health care access is both systemic and intergenerational. Many of my family members have medical debt that they will never be able to pay off, and they have been forced out of their homes because of it. My dad is a retired veteran. After 18 years of working in labor, he is physically disabled. He worked so hard for so long, and all he has to show for it are his medical bills.… Continue reading »

People’s House Series: Expand Health Care, Don’t Cut It

In Minnesota, we care for each other. My name is Amanda Otero and I’m the organizing director at TakeAction Minnesota. First, I believe that health care is always about two things: people and values. People like Riley Schumacher, a TakeAction Minnesota leader from St. Cloud, MN who was an infant when he was diagnosed with common variable immune deficiency. Riley grew up fighting for his life. As an adult, Medicaid has been life saving and life changing for him. Today, Riley is among the Minnesotans fighting to protect health care. Because in Minnesota, we care for each other. We’re resourceful, abundant, and we know that we’re stronger when nobody’s left behind. Why is health care at risk in Minnesota? Right now, health care for one million Minnesotans enrolled in MinnesotaCare and Medicaid is at risk. I’m sure you’re wondering how on earth did this happen?

People’s House Series: (Update!) HMO Conversion Bill Moves Forward

In Minnesota, we believe in fairness and the common good.

This week, hundreds of TakeAction Minnesota members contacted their legislators about Minnesota allowing for-profit health insurance companies from entering the state and why we need strong HMO conversion laws. Today, Rep. Jen Schultz’s bill (HF533) was approved by the House Commerce committee. This is great news for Minnesotans, as we continue to work toward a people-centered health care system.

https://www.facebook.com/TakeActionMinnesota/videos/342014956442226/ Watch and share this video to learn more about nonprofit HMO conversions Rep. Jen Schultz (Duluth)

Here’s what Rep. Schultz said about the bill a news release today:

“Minnesotans expect that money they’ve paid toward health care will go toward just that purpose: providing health care, not enriching insurance company executives and shareholders.”

“The repeal of the for-profit ban was in addition to the $542 million handout insurance companies received from the reinsurance bill. As we work on real solutions making health care more affordable and improving the quality of care Minnesotans receive, the accountability measures in this bill will help ensure that money for health care is spent on people, not going toward corporate profits.”

We agree. And we’re grateful for the champions who are standing up for Minnesotans.… Continue reading »

Not One Plan: Sarah’s Story

Sarah Piepenburg runs a small business, Vinaigrette, in Minneapolis. She is a member of Main Street Alliance of Minnesota, an organization that works to provide small businesses a voice in the most pressing public policy issues in Minnesota and nationally.

We started our business, Vinaigrette, over ten years ago. When we started it, we didn’t really think about health care. We were fortunate because, through our husband’s previous employer, we were still covered under COBRA. When COBRA expired, we were full-swing into our business. We were surprised to find out that as a family of three, we made $24,000. This put us way below the poverty line, which in some ways was fortunate, because then were covered under Medical Assistance.

We were covered under MA for a few years, and then came the Affordable Care Act. I excitedly went online to figure out what I could get, but our income at the time was too low, so we didn’t qualify for the open market. But we no longer qualified for MA, so we were put on the supplemental track. It wasn’t really a problem because it was something we could afford. But then, in 2017, we as a family made $57,670.… Continue reading »

Governor’s budget first step to fixing state health care

The governor’s budget released on Tuesday has the progress and vision Minnesotans in St. Cloud deserve.

When I was an infant, I was diagnosed with common variable immune deficiency. I was put on TEFRA, Medical Assistance for children with disabilities. And when I turned 19, I was eligible for general Medical Assistance. The care was lifesaving for me as an infant, and as I got older, it has helped me afford treatment for fibromyalgia, asthma and my mental health. I would struggle to afford treatment otherwise.

The health care provider tax funds the Health Care Access Fund, which in the past has funded MinnesotaCare and currently funds Medical Assistance and other health services. If the health care provider tax is repealed, one million Minnesotans could be at risk of losing their health insurance; Minnesotans like me, who rely on state-funded health care to stay alive.

[…]

Read more. … Continue reading »

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