Blog

Bold & Visionary change in Duluth

This year we had the awesome opportunity to talk with thousands of Duluthians about their vision for Duluth’s future. We collaborated with many organizations representing the diverse people of our communities to develop a shared vision for our city – AICHO, CHUM, PAVSA, SOAR Career Solutions, YWCA, Northeast Area Labor Council, Community Action Duluth and Education Minnesota.

What came of this is resounding shared interest in jobs that pay living wages with benefits like earned sick and safe time so people aren’t forced to choose between caring for a loved one and earning a paycheck. Residents wanting resources and consideration of needs to be spread across the city, increased green space, free youth activities & racial justice.

We have the unique ability at TakeAction to talk about these issues and more as we engage with voters in our community.  We want to see bold and visionary change! The kind of change that happens when people – like our endorsed candidates who share our vision and the vision of so many Duluthians – are elected to office.  Our endorsed candidates for November are:  Gary Anderson (District 2); Em Westerlund (District 3); Joel Sipress (District 4); Janet Kennedy (District 5); Elissa Hansen & Noah Hobbs (At-Large); and Emily Larson for Mayor!… Continue reading »

Too Sick to Work Without Paid Sick Days

One of the best parts of my job as a community organizer with TakeAction MN is getting to know the hard working women of our state. Like Evelyn Pechous, she’s a student at Hamline University triple majoring with hopes of going to Law School. This week was back-to-school for her and other Hamline students, as well as thousands of other college students in our state.

As summer winds down, Evelyn will need to leave two of her four jobs, and the 65 hours she’s working to make ends meet. She’ll have to work just two jobs and forty hours, because she’s going to be a full-time student.  Evelyn’s forced to work these kinds of hours, despite her heavy class load, because of her medical expenses, and employers that refuse to offer her anything but part-time status with no benefits or protections — far too many college students share this experience. Again, Evelyn works so many jobs and so many hours, because she not only has to pay for her housing and living expenses, but also the high cost of her medical care. Did I mention she’s heavily involved on campus and volunteering? When I met her, she was struggling to figure out how she was going to have time to go to treatments for her chronic illness – Lupus – which are akin to chemotherapy, and still work enough hours to meet all of her costs.… Continue reading »

From Labor Day to Lyndale Avenue: the New Movement to Lift Standards in Cities

By 9am on Tuesday, September 5th, 1882 New York’s City Hall was surrounded by rows of armed police officers both on foot and mounted on horseback.  Assembled a full hour before a parade of jewelers, bricklayers, and carpenters were set to march to park and have a picnic: this was the scene at the start of the world’s first Labor Day.  From that beginning, with a major city government literally defending itself from its residents, Labor Day has evolved and so has the role of cities in ensuring the rights of working people.

More than once U.S. cities have led the country as a whole, setting standards for their residents that would eventually become a national norm.

 Police officers, firefighters, and teachers in New York City had municipal retirement plans over forty years before the creation of Social Security.  Cities took the lead on providing for the unemployed years before Congress. Buffalo, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Louisville all created jobs programs for their residents in the early 1930’s years before the creation of Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration.

Still, over the last three decades many U.S. cities have picked up on this old trend, asserting a more direct role in setting standards that improves the lives of workers. … Continue reading »

Back to School Without Earned Sick Time

All summer long workers have been gathering together with Minneapolis City Council Members to talk about the difficult choices they make when they or their family members become sick.

With school resuming this week, working parents without paid time off for illness, will face tough decisions between caring for their kids or keeping their paycheck.

The numbers bear this out – a University of Chicago survey found that parents who don’t earn sick time are twice as likely to send a sick child to school.  Fortunately, in Minneapolis, residents and workers have the opportunity to fight for a city ordinance that would ensure that every worker has paid time off to care for their family.

Gayle Zoffer, a TakeAction Minnesota member, recently held a house party to spread the word about the ordinance with neighbors and friends. As a teacher, Gayle sees and experiences the struggle first hand,

            “As an adult educator, I work with many students juggling work, parenting, and studying, and I believe that all of them deserve access to paid sick time to care for their children and to ensure that they don’t arrive at work (or school!) sick.  Many of them work in restaurants, at nursing homes, or child care facilities, and their working while sick puts other vulnerable people at risk.

Our Women in Leadership Event: A Great Success!

Our Women in Leadership event held in Duluth was a huge success! Thanks to the over 60 community members and their families who shared their evening with us at our picnic style event. We heard stories from five powerful leaders in our community: Rep. Jennifer Schultz, Renee Van Nett, Annie Harala, Rebecca St George & Emily Larson. Each of them highlighted the importance of women holding positions of leadership in our city. We also had tons of fun with the science show for the kids, led by core team leader Elizabeth Kersting-Peterson, and we listened to the great music of talented local artist, Maddy Sitter.

Thankfully, we had great weather for the event, and took advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the power of women in leadership with our neighbors.  A huge thank you to our speakers, all the great women, for sharing stories and to Karen Perry for being a wonderful MC of the event. Thanks to Rep. Paul Thissen for attending the event during his visit to Duluth. And last but not least, thanks to our Duluth core team for their deep commitment to make this event happen. Your hard work behind the scenes is greatly appreciated. Now, we’ll let the pictures of the event tell you everything else we’ve missed here.… Continue reading »

The Power of Women

If someone were to ask you what leadership is, I’m sure your responses would be as varied as the responses I have heard when people are asked to define racial justice.  As is true of most things in our lives, our lived experience supersedes dictionary definitions.

Leadership per the Merriam Webster online dictionary is:  1) a position as a leader of a group, organization, etc; 2) the time when a person holds the position of leader; 3) the power or ability to lead other people.  Though I do not argue the definition as it appears, what leadership means to me is more convoluted.

As a child I dreamed of being president.  I wish I had a quarter for how many times I heard I was insane to think this was possible.  It is regrettably not the only situation in my life where I was informed my pursuit of leadership was ambiguously linked and limited due to my gender identity.  So my experience and definition of leadership inevitably became linked to how unattainable I felt it was for me to achieve because I am a woman.

I have been blessed in my life to have incredibly brave, intelligent and resilient women mentor me in my pursuit of leadership. … Continue reading »

Navigators: Keeping the Consumer Interest at Heart

As the Health Care Program Coordinator at TakeAction Minnesota, I work with Navigators to learn about the realities of people’s health insurance needs and options, to assist in improving the enrollment process, and to connect them with opportunities to advocate for making our health care system work better for the people they are helping enroll.

What’s a Navigator, you might be wondering? The Navigator role was created as a part of the Affordable Care Act as a way for consumers using MNsure, the state-based health insurance exchange, to get free assistance with the enrollment process.  Navigators have been a crucial part of many enrollee’s success stories. One enrollee writes: “I tried to enroll last year, but could not get through the website on my own, so went through the year uninsured.  This year, I accessed enrollment help at the Salvation Army.  The fact that I could call someone who I could meet with and who could walk me through the Exchange made all the difference.”

As the 2015 Legislative Session comes to a close, I am left thinking of the good work of Navigators do and what it looks like to support them.

In this session, the Senate passed a measure to level the per enrollment payments Navigators receive for enrollment work, but the House did not and the measure did not make it into the final Health and Human Services bill.… Continue reading »

Taking Stock of Session

We can change who benefits in our economy when we change who decides in our democracy.  It is because we believe in this simple idea that we as members of TakeAction Minnesota spend so much time, attention and energy at the State Capitol during legislative session.

Because we want a state where all of us can thrive, prosper and live life to the fullest, TakeAction Minnesota and our member organizations work on a number of issues that are the essence of what we all need to be whole people, fully alive.  Each of us needs health care we can depend on and work that is dignified.  We need a voice in the decisions that affect us and a criminal justice system that is just that – just – for all people regardless of the color of our skin or class.  We need quality schools, clean water, and healthy food.

Contrary to what we read in the paper or see on TV, there is more to what happens at the legislature than what Republicans and Democrats say about each other.  Legislative session is where the people’s interests – our interests – collide with those of powerful corporations and wealthy elites. Since legislative session wrapped up last week, now is a good time to take stock of how we – the people – fared in the decisions that our elected leaders made.… Continue reading »

Still Fighting to Make 47K Voices Heard

Last weekend, strong, bi-partisan language that would restore the right to vote to 47,000 Minnesotans stalled at the Capitol.

Thousands of Minnesotans like you took action this year to move this campaign forward — Minnesotan’s like Debra, who fought every week to honor the memory of her son.

Debra’s family is just one of many that knows the pain of being isolated from the community — and also the joy of being part of our democracy. Her story is why we fought this year, and why we’ll keep fighting.

“I am in the fight to restore the vote for my son.

He was a great child, and as he grew older he had run-ins with the justice system that resulted in his incarceration. After his release, he did all he could to show everyone that he was a better man, father, and citizen. But the system wouldn’t allow that. He could not sign a lease to stay and support his family. He could not vote to change discriminatory laws. Because of his criminal record he faced barriers to moving on with his life. For years, my son battled depression, expressing tear-filled frustrations to me because of his unfair treatment.

In 2012, after waiting what seemed like a lifetime, a little blue slip of paper came in the mail.… Continue reading »

MinnesotaCare: Big news, but big cuts

When the House Republicans made it a priority to eliminate MinnesotaCare this year, we faced an uphill battle to protect this essential program.

But thousands of Minnesotans like you spoke up. You signed petitions, contacted your legislators, shared things online, donated money to support ad campaigns, told your story at the Capitol and in the press. You were tireless in making it clear that the vast majority of Minnesotans wouldn’t stand for this controversial proposal.

Your actions combined with the leadership and tenacity of Governor Dayton, Senate Majority Leader Bakk and Senator Tony Lourey to ensure that MinnesotaCare will remain intact and continue delivering high-quality health care to those who would otherwise pay more for less in the private market, or just go uninsured.

This is an incredible moment to celebrate.

At the same time, the final legislation cuts $65 million from MinnesotaCare, and requires enrollees to pay for that cut themselves.  MinnesotaCare families will see their out-of-pocket costs triple, while premiums also go up.  The cuts to MinnesotaCare come at a time when wages for those on MinnesotaCare are stagnating, making higher health care costs even more difficult to absorb.  The cuts also come at a time when the state has a $1.9 billion surplus, and the funding source dedicated to MinnesotaCare – the Health Care Access Fund – also has a surplus.… Continue reading »

MNcare Helps MN Work – #3 in a Series: Spotlight on Chronic Illness

MinnesotaCare provides coverage for many Minnesotans living with chronic illness. Here are some of their stories:

MinnesotaCare Covers Low-Wage Workers

When Corey, who lives in St. Paul, was 22, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Over the years, he’s been uninsured many times because his employers haven’t always offered him coverage or affordable coverage. When uninsured, he’s gone without his diabetes medication, which has landed him in the hospital. Four years ago, Corey applied and found out he qualifies for MinnesotaCare.

Since then, Corey has had access to life saving insulin and is therefore able to work and take care of his family. Like many low wage workers, Corey’s income changes a lot. Over the years, MinnesotaCare has been an important bridge between Medicaid and private coverage. Without MinnesotaCare, sometimes applying for a higher paying job or picking up extra hours would have meant giving up access to healthcare. With MinnesotaCare, Corey has been able to keep improving his ability to support his family while maintaining the consistent access to care that prevents worsening of his disease.

MinnesotaCare Means You Can Meet Your Basic Needs

Robert of Duluth is a truck driver without access to employer-sponsored health insurance.  For a long time, his household made a little bit too much money to qualify for MinnesotaCare and th e premiums for the products on the commercial market were more than he could afford, so he and his wife have been uninsured for the last 20 years. … Continue reading »

MNcare Helps MN Work – #2 in a Series: Spotlight on Families and the Self-Employed

MinnesotaCare is working for many Minnesota families. Here are some of their stories.

MinnesotaCare Covers Farmers

Starting a farm business takes a lot of time, energy, and planning.  As beginning farmers in Litchfield, Nick and Joan Olson have been working for the past six years to capitalize their business and scale-up production in order to make the transition to full-time farming.  The cost of health insurance has always been a barrier as they looked to make this transition.  Two months ago they made the leap when Nick quit the job that provided the family of four with insurance, and MinnesotaCare made it possible.

As the Olson’s farm business grows, they’ll be able to afford other health insurance options, but MinnesotaCare has been a key factor in helping them actualize their dreams of farming full-time. The family of four now has comprehensive coverage at a price they can afford. One aspect important to the Olson’s is that the coverage allows them to continue working with their previous doctors and health care providers.

The growing season is off to a good start and now they have one less thing to worry about knowing that they’ve got affordable, quality health insurance through MinnesotaCare.

MinnesotaCare Provides Peace of Mind

Gabe is a graphic designer who lives in Minneapolis.… Continue reading »

MNcare Helps MN Work – #1 in a Series: Spotlight on Women

Did you know that 54% of MinnesotaCare enrollees are women? Here are some of their stories.

MinnesotaCare Covers Mental Health

Katie Moore of Owatonna was working full-time, but her employer-based insurance was just not affordable when making $12.75/hour. Katie has needed mental health treatment ever since she lost her boyfriend in a car accident four years ago, but her employer-based insurance did not cover mental health. She was unable to see a counselor, and her anti-depression medication was costing her $120/month. Thanks to help from a Navigator, Katie confirmed that her coverage did not meet minimum value standards, so she was able to enroll in MinnesotaCare. Now, MinnesotaCare fully covers her counseling appointments and anti-depression medications.

Katie recently found out she is pregnant. She is also changing jobs and will now make $9.50/hour. So, Katie is making the transition to Medical Assistance as a pregnant woman. Katie is so grateful to have had MinnesotaCare to cover her initial prenatal care, and is happy with the smooth transition to the new program. Once her baby is born, Katie is relieved to know MinnesotaCare will still be there for her. Because she is getting affordable, quality coverage, Katie is able to do a job she loves, become a mom, and pay off her student debt from her social work degree.… Continue reading »

We are in this together

Being bold and ambitious means not going it alone. In order to bring into existence a more just and compassionate community we need strong, trusted partnerships. In Duluth we work closely with Chum, who not only shares a similar vision for what’s possible but is charting a shared course on how to get there together. It means they’re in the fight with us day in and day out, on good days and bad. Chum and TakeAction have come together on issues that align both organizations, whether it’s restoring the right to vote for 47,000 Minnesotans or ensuring workers in St. Louis County can have access to earned sick and safe time.

But beyond that we are building. We are weaving our people together creating a shared story. A story that says more is possible when we work together. This relationship continues to deepen each time we come to the table as equal partners committed to the same change in the world. What we are doing– a training together, a press conference, meetings with elected officials or making copies for  one another when the printer breaks. Regardless the activity, we are working together to make more possible. Below is a blog post written by Cara Lundberg, an intern at Chum as she finishes her last week with Chum.… Continue reading »

How to Eat an Elephant

Nathanal Doehling is a Leader with the Justice 4 All Program at TakeAction Minnesota. He has been through the Justice System and is dedicated to making sure all people have a fair shot at a job and a voice in their Democracy. Here’s a blog by him on the campaign to restore the vote: 

It is no accident that over 47k people have been locked out of their Democracy. It is no accident that over 20k of those people are people of color. Since we know it’s not an accident and those who make the laws know it’s no accident, let’s correct the language being used. The system is not broken. It is working the way it was intended to. Locking up people of color and locking us out of our Democracy.

But a problem that is people made can be people solved.  People on all sides of the political spectrum using our vote and our voice is the only way we can change the way things are.

But sometimes this problem can feel bigger than an elephant.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite a time! How do you eat a donkey? One bite at a time! I don’t see me eating any elephants or donkeys but I do know that the system has made a meal off of our communities for too long.… Continue reading »

47,000 Voices Heard

This week leaders from the Justice 4 All Program will be hosting a rally for the 47,000 Minnesotans being denied the vote by our Justice System. Jason Sole is a Professor at Metro State University and a respected trainer and advocate for Justice Reform. Jason has a compelling story to tell that you can read in his book “From Prison to PHD.”

Below are remarks Jason made in support of voting rights restoration. I invite you to read his story and come out and join us as we rally this week to make these 47,000 voices heard. 

 “I have only been able to vote once in my lifetime.

As a young black man in America, I got into trouble and tried to defend myself in the only ways I knew how. I felt there was nowhere for me to run for protection. I paid the price and took responsibility for my actions, but now, even though I’ve been on probation since 2006, I will not be able to vote until 2026.

Across the world, we are hearing people screaming that Black lives matter. But according to Minnesota, with respect to voting, Black and Native American lives don’t matter at all because we are the most disenfranchised.… Continue reading »

Lining the highway to St. Cloud

There are enough Minnesotans being denied the right to vote to theoretically line the highway between MPLS and St. Cloud. These are people working and paying taxes. Parents who can’t vote for school board, people who have spent time in a cell but can’t vote for Judges responsible for sentencing. And for what? What do we gain as a society from stopping these 50,000 Minnesotans from influencing who governs them?

Last month, over 100 people from communities impacted by the justice system took to the phones at TakeAction Minnesota to fight for the restoration of voting rights. These were new partners like Minneapolis Mad Dads, Better Futures MN, Change Equals Opportunity (C.E.O.), Ujama Place and NdCAD. Progressive allies like the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and the Restore the Vote Coalition.

Together we made over 12,000 calls to connect Minnesotans to their legislators asking them to support the restoration of voting rights. Out of the folks who took action with us, one third knew someone with a criminal record.

We have strong bi-partisan support with over 30 Republican legislators signed-on on to the bill, and communities are asking elected officials at the Capitol to do the right thing and give every day Minnesotans a voice in their democracy.… Continue reading »

Welcome Shawnu!

I come to TakeAction as the Women and the Economy Organizer in Duluth from the YWCA of Duluth where I actively worked to eliminate racism and empower women.  Although not an organizer in title until now, social justice has been a proponent of my life since I was young.

I grew up in a small town and discrimination toward Native Americans was present everywhere, especially in the school system. Coming from a predominantly Native family I felt first-hand how awful oppression is and how public systems work to perpetuate that oppression.  As a woman I know all too well the struggles faced in the workplace and educational systems. I’m passionate about energizing and engaging the community in work that fuels change and creates equity for everyone.

For me the most exciting part of my work at TakeAction is being part of creating a vision for Duluth through connecting with organizational partners & cohorts, community members & leaders, public officials and local businesses.  Growing and building a sense of true community in our towns and cities will help us address social justice issues.

Though my focus in organizing is around issues for working women and their families, I think that you cannot truly address anything in solidarity. … Continue reading »

A letter to Sandra Johnson

Today I’m sending a letter to Sandra Johnson, the Bloomington City Attorney who has charged 11 people for protesting at the Mall of America last December. I wanted to share it with you here. Take a look, and join us in encouraging Ms. Johnson to drop the charges by sharing this with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. Always feel free to get in touch and let me know what you think.

…

March 5, 2015

Sandra Johnson, City Attorney
City of Bloomington
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431-3027

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I ask that you to use your legal authority and moral responsibility to work toward racial justice and choose not prosecute the 11 members of #BlackLivesMatter who peacefully protested at the Mall of America on December 20, 2014.

The #BlackLivesMatter movement has done much to reveal the profound impacts of our nation’s racism.  It is a forum where new and emerging community leaders all across the country, people who are most harmed by these structural inequities, have said the killing of black people by police must stop.  It is also a space where white allies can stand in solidarity against these injustices.  I am one of those white allies. … Continue reading »

My Story: A Slippery Slope

From one of our members, Mary Einspahr:

I didn’t grow up in poverty. Growing up my dad worked a stable job at a major corporation. We lived in a nice house. We took family vacations. We never had to worry about having enough to eat.

However, I fell into poverty at the ripe age of 23.

Last winter, my health insurance wouldn’t cover my medical needs and it was about to expire anyway. I found myself broke, without adequate health care, and forced to quit school due to a chronic health condition. It wasn’t until I applied for MNsure and was granted Medical Assistance that I began to receive adequate, affordable health care. Through Medical Assistance, Minnesota’s Medicaid program, I was able to attend outpatient treatments for addiction, which I still attend to this day. MNsure saved my life; I’m now over one year sober and in a much better place. My Medical Assistance fully covers my health care needs; in addition to treatment, it covers my doctor visits and covered three ER trips after a bike accident last April.

While I’m grateful for my affordable health plan, this is not a perfect system. In order to keep Medical Assistance, I have to stay below the poverty line, which means earning less than $15,000 a year.… Continue reading »

We can do better!

I happen to think Northern Minnesota is pretty darn great. We have big lakes, nice trails, and good people. Yet, we aren’t perfect.

In fact, in Southern St. Louis County less than half of workers can earn paid sick time — the worst percentage in the state according to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. That’s why when the campaign to pass earned sick and safe time throughout Minnesota launched last week, they came to Duluth to do it.

We were proud to stand with the Minnesota Benefits campaign as it kicked off with labor leaders, legislators, community organizations, small business owners and people who know what it’s like to choose between caring for their family and a pay check.

I believe that by working together, Northern Minnesota, can and will do better.

 … Continue reading »

We Love MinnesotaCare

There are a lot of numbers behind MinnesotaCare. It covers 88,000 Minnesotans and keeps premiums down to $50/month for many individuals. MinnesotaCare catches those who fall through the cracks between Medical Assistance and costly private health insurance plans. But you know what’s even better than the numbers? The stories. Take a look at what MinnesotaCare means for Minnesota:

MinnesotaCare means being able to pursue professional dreams. Many folks who are self-employed or who work a variety of part-time jobs rely on MinnesotaCare for their health care. For Gabe, who is pursuing work as a graphic designer, MinnesotaCare gives him the security of knowing he’s covered if his pre-existing condition causes trouble, even as he pursues his career goals.

MinnesotaCare means feeling safe when your world turns upside down. Many people, especially in the last several years, have relied on MinnesotaCare when jobs have moved out-of-state, changed management, or downsized. Without MNCare, Julie wouldn’t have access to health care while she goes through the stressful process of finding a new accounting job, because after losing her job, COBRA was just too expensive. For Jane, MinnesotaCare provided necessary care when her daughter was born with Down syndrome and a hole in her heart.… Continue reading »

Enough Minnesotans to Fill Target Field

This past election 60,000 Minnesotans were denied the right to vote because of the Justice System. These are folks living in the community, paying taxes (if they can find a job), and being turned away at the polls because they are on probation or parole for a felony conviction.

Let me put it this way — that is enough people to fill Target Field one and half times. If you add up how many African Americans in MN have had their right to vote taken away, it is enough to fill half the Twins Stadium!

Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. marched from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to demand African Americans have a fair shot at the ballot box. Fifty years later we are still fighting for the same thing.

Join us at Second Chance Day on the Hill where we will rally and meet with elected officials (Republicans and Democrats) and ask them to support the Restoration of Voting Rights for our Minnesotans across the state.

For more about Justice 4 All visit http://50.87.249.163/~takeacu7/work/criminal-justice-reform/

For more info about #RestoreTheVote http://restorethevotemn.org/

Oh yeah, one more thing about jobs. Below is a list of local entry level job opportunities. Please share with folks who need some encouragement in their job search.… Continue reading »

Onward in 2015!

The New Year has me thinking a lot about our great state.

Minnesota is home to 5.3 million people and 852 cities.  We have four different ecosystems. We are vast, different and unique.

But we are also so much alike. We are Minnesotans.

I have lived in six of our state’s cities. From a tiny little farming town on the border of South Dakota to the heart of our largest city. Each place has shaped my experience of what it means to be a Minnesotan. One thing is clear to me: we all want a good life for our family, friends and neighbors. And the things that get in the way of someone thriving in north Minneapolis are the same as the barriers to living the life you choose in Duluth. 

Whether we are talking about a failed criminal justice system or the antiquated workplace that holds women back, the only way we are going to move on a path toward a Minnesota that leaves no one behind is if we move together.

The city I live in now (and love so much!) also affords me the privilege to work for an organization grappling with what it is going to take to win real change in people’s lives. … Continue reading »

MNCare Means Affordable Coverage for Self-Employed

So many Minnesotans who are self-employed have struggled to find affordable coverage options.

When Ruth got divorced 15 years ago, her ex-husband continued paying for her health insurance because she is self-employed. However, a few months ago she went in for surgery and was told that she no longer had coverage. She fought to keep the same plan, but ended up paying an unaffordable premium of $350/month.

With the help of a navigator, Ruth enrolled in MNsure and found out that she qualifies for MNCare. Now, she’s got affordable health care that covers her needs.… Continue reading »

MNCare Provides Necessary Care for Chronically Ill

One of the reasons it is so crucial that we keep MNCare as our basic health plan in MN is that it provides on-going care to so many who suffer from chronic health conditions. Corey is one of those people.

When Corey was 22, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Over the years, he’s been uninsured many times because his employer hasn’t always offered him coverage. Without coverage, he’s gone without his diabetes medication, which has landed him in the hospital. Four years ago, Corey applied and found out he qualifies for MNCare.

Thanks to MNCare, Corey has access to life saving insulin and is therefore able to work and take care of his family.… Continue reading »

MNCare Covers Folks in a Tough Spot

As we mark the halfway point during this year’s MNsure open enrollment, we’re reminded of how important this basic public health plan is to Minnesotans. All over the state, folks caught without coverage for a variety of reasons rely on MNCare to get the quality health care they need.

For example, John, a resident of Eden Prairie, lost his job two years ago and couldn’t afford the $789/month Cobra premium. So, he went without insurance. When MNsure opened, he enrolled and found out that he qualifies for MNCare. This past fall, John got a much-needed surgery that he would not have been able to afford without MNCare.

Thanks to MNCare, Minnesotans like John know that they can get health care when they’re going through a tough time.… Continue reading »

Research on MN’s Uninsured and Underinsured

Check out TAMN’s most recent paper on the uninsured and underinsured in MN.

TAMN Uninsured and Underinsured Paper… Continue reading »

Top 9 Photos of 2014 (and one awesome video)

From marching with single moms in a Polar Vortex in Brooklyn Center, to Rosie the Riveters in Duluth and Grand Rapids, and even heading to the White House — it’s been a busy year! Take a look at some of our favorite pictures, and make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom for our favorite video of 2014. Happy New Year!

… Continue reading »

NEW MNsure Eligibility Chart

Worried about your health care coverage? Wondering what you might qualify for this year on the MNsure exchange? Use the charts below to get a quick sense of what kind of health coverage you can get from MNsure, and what your expected monthly cost (premium) might be. Remember, open enrollment starts November 15.

Click here for the pdf version.

… Continue reading »