TakeAction Minnesota

Blog Archives

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 »

Creating People-Centered Care: Health Care Round Table with Legislators in St Cloud

Here in Minnesota, we value our communities, and we know when our neighbors have the care they need, so do we. Minnesotans know we are all interconnected in our fight for the health care we need and the time we need to care for ourselves and others.   TakeAction Minnesota knows our power comes from our communities and our relationships with each other and our leaders. We believe in people-centered health care.   We have a choice to protect and expand health care. We want to make sure that our legislators are making the choice that will center people and not corporations.   Join us for a healthcare roundtable to shine a light on the choice we have in front of us with healthcare. We’ll be sharing our health care stories and with our legislators from Senate District 14. Join us to ask them to commit to fighting for a Minnesota with people-centered healthcare.

Register here. 

Parking is free on weekend and childcare is available on request.… Continue reading »

RELEASE: Attorney General and state lawmakers call for bipartisan action to stop the legal privatization of billions of dollars in public health care money

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa (612) 386-9556 or kenza@takeactionminnesota.org

Barbara Brady, (651) 202-0845 or barbara.brady@mnnurses.org         

April 23, 2019

Attorney General and state lawmakers call for bipartisan action to stop the legal privatization of billions of dollars in public health care money

The Minnesota House will vote on Wednesday to protect public assets from for-profit health plans in the HHS omnibus bill

St. Paul, Minnesota—Without action from the Legislature this session, for-profit companies will be legally allowed to privatize billions of dollars in public health care money. The Attorney General and state lawmakers called for bipartisan action today on for-profit health plan conversions, before a new law takes effect this year. The Minnesota House will be voting to stop the so-called ‘health care heist’ in its Health and Human Services omnibus bill tomorrow.

“Minnesota was the only state in the nation that still banned for-profit companies from selling health insurance,” said Rep. Tina Liebling, chief author of the Health and Human Services omnibus bill. “There’s a clear reason for that—money for health care should go to care, not profits.”

The issue began in 2017 when the Legislature repealed the ban on for-profit health insurance companies, without including guidelines around the conversions.… Continue reading »

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HEALTH CARE NOW at the Capitol

The MN House Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill includes critical protections of health care for Minnesotans, including preserving MNCare and Medical Assistance, expanding access to MNCare, and preventing corporations from walking away with millions of public health care dollars. Join us as we push this bill through the vote with chanting, legislative visits, sharing the story on social media, and more.

We’ll begin the day with a 10am press conference about the costs of prescription drugs and when the MN House of Representatives begins debating and voting at 11am, we’ll continue to rally, share our stories, and do drop-in visits with our legislators. We’ll meet at 10am for a press conference outside of the House of Representatives (2nd floor of the Capitol Building, north side of the building). Bring signs, your friends, and family.

RSVP to join us here.… Continue reading »

Drop-In Legislative Meetings

Register to meet with your legislators at these drop-in legislative meetings with TakeAction Minnesota.

We believe in a democracy where everyone is in, and no one is out. No exceptions. This is our opportunity to find legislators on a schedule that works for us, take up space in the Capitol, and have our legislators to listen our hopes and dreams for the future.

You must register to attend these drop-in legislative meetings. Meet TakeAction staff and leaders at the staircase outside the front entrance of the Capitol. And bring a friend. … Continue reading »

Drop-In Legislative Meetings

Register to meet with your legislators at these drop-in legislative meetings with TakeAction Minnesota.

We believe in a democracy where everyone is in, and no one is out. No exceptions. This is our opportunity to find legislators on a schedule that works for us, take up space in the Capitol, and have our legislators to listen our hopes and dreams for the future.

You must register to attend these drop-in legislative meetings. Meet TakeAction staff and leaders at the staircase outside the front entrance of the Capitol. And bring a friend. … Continue reading »

Drop-In Legislative Meetings

Register to meet with your legislators at these drop-in legislative meetings with TakeAction Minnesota.

We believe in a democracy where everyone is in, and no one is out. No exceptions. This is our opportunity to find legislators on a schedule that works for us, take up space in the Capitol, and have our legislators to listen our hopes and dreams for the future.

You must register to attend these drop-in legislative meetings. Meet TakeAction staff and leaders at the staircase outside the front entrance of the Capitol. And bring a friend. … Continue reading »

Drop-In Legislative Meetings

Register to meet with your legislators at these drop-in legislative meetings with TakeAction Minnesota.

We believe in a democracy where everyone is in, and no one is out. No exceptions. This is our opportunity to find legislators on a schedule that works for us, take up space in the Capitol, and have our legislators to listen our hopes and dreams for the future.

You must register to attend these drop-in legislative meetings. Meet TakeAction staff and leaders at the staircase outside the front entrance of the Capitol. And bring a friend. … Continue reading »

Healthcare Story Blitz

At TakeAction Minnesota, we believe that stories and community building are the key to our liberation.

Join us for a healthcare story blitz in the south metro. We will be talking to folks about our legislative priorities including keeping the provider tax, supporting OneCare, and getting statewide earned sick and safe time passed. We will also be collecting stories about healthcare and sharing our own.

Meet at the TakeAction Minnesota office.

Sign up here!… Continue reading »

Duluth: Patch-Through Phone Bank for Healthcare and Climate

We believe we can live in a Minnesota that is for us, by us. Join us for a phone bank to connect constituents with their legislators. We will be calling Minnesotans, connecting constituents with their legislators to support bills protecting and expanding our health care and moving Minnesota toward 100% clean energy.

Everybody in, nobody out. No exceptions.

Register here.… Continue reading »

Duluth: Patch-Through Phone Bank for Healthcare and Climate

We believe we can live in a Minnesota that is for us, by us. Join us for a phone bank to connect constituents with their legislators. We will be calling Minnesotans, connecting constituents with their legislators to support bills protecting and expanding our health care and moving Minnesota toward 100% clean energy.

Everybody in, nobody out. No exceptions. 

Register here.… 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 »

MEDIA BACKGROUND: 6 Health Care Concerns in the Senate HHS Omnibus Bill

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-95556

MEDIA BACKGROUND

6 Health Care Concerns in the Senate HHS Omnibus Bill

St. Paul–Our government is responsible for making health care work for everyone. Minnesotans are desperate for real, long-term  improvements that expand public health care and rein in health care costs. We have heard many times this year that the Senate’s reinsurance proposal is a Band-Aid on the way to a bigger solution, but this bill does not reflect that understanding. 

Here are 6 Health Care Concerns in the Senate’s HHS Omnibus Bill (SF2452 DE):

  1. Ends the health care provider tax.  Instead of creating more security for middle income Minnesotans in the broken individual market, this bill reduces security for low income Minnesotans by not renewing the health care provider tax.
  2. Cuts coverage and increases cost sharing for ‘savings.’ It alludes to cutting vision and dental benefits from Minnesotans on public programs, including many in poverty (Art. 2, Sect. 8 and 13) for ‘cost savings’—and significantly increases health care costs for people enrolled in MinnesotaCare (Art. 2 Sec 12).
  3. Undermines our government’s ability to check the private market. It ties the state’s hands from making future improvements to the choices available to Minnesotans in the individual market, taking away MNsure’s active purchaser power.
… Continue reading »
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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 »

NEWS RELEASE: Advocates call on state lawmakers to reinstate ban on for-profit HMOs before more changes take effect

CONTACT: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556

April 3, 2019

 

NEWS RELEASE

Advocates call on state lawmakers to reinstate ban on for-profit HMOs before more changes take effect

Minnesotans and House lawmakers are working to stop the ‘health care heist’ 

St. Paul, MN—Advocates and House lawmakers are working to reinstate laws that ensure that money for health care goes toward care.

 

Minnesota was the last state in the nation that still banned for-profit companies from selling health insurance. The GOP Legislature repealed the state ban in 2017. It takes effect July 1, 2019.

 

“Minnesotans didn’t ask for this,” said Paul Sobocinski, health care organizer with Land Stewardship Project. “It unraveled Minnesota’s longstanding position that said: Money for health care should go to care—and health insurance should not be for profit business. Our elected officials are responsible for fixing this.”

 

Health care money for care, not profits

Changes to the state’s health care laws have already had an effect. By repealing the law in 2017, the state no longer required nonprofit health plans to use their earnings for care.

 

While Minnesotans struggled to afford health coverage, the repeal allowed Medica, a nonprofit health plan, to make multiple transfers to an out of state business.… Continue reading »

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St. Cloud: Patch Through Phonebank for Health Care

We believe we can live in a Minnesota that is for us, by us. Join us for a phone bank to connect constituents with their legislators. We will be calling folks living in Central Minnesota, asking them to join us in making their voices heard to support paid time to care and people-centered health care at the Capitol. Training and food will be provided.  

Everybody in, nobody out. No exceptions. 

Register Here.… Continue reading »

St. Cloud: Patch Through Phonebank for Health Care

We believe we can live in a Minnesota that is for us, by us. Join us for a phone bank to connect constituents with their legislators. We will be calling folks living in Central Minnesota, asking them to join us in making their voices heard to support paid time to care and people-centered health care at the Capitol. Training and food will be provided.  

Everybody in, nobody out. No exceptions. 

Register Here.… Continue reading »

St. Cloud: Patch Through Phone Bank for Care

We believe we can live in a Minnesota that is for us, by us. Join us for a phone bank to connect constituents with their legislators. We will be calling folks living in Central Minnesota, asking them to join us in making their voices heard to support paid time to care and people-centered health care at the Capitol. Training and food will be provided.  

Everybody in, nobody out. No exceptions. 

Register Here.… Continue reading »

Knock for Care in St. Cloud

We believe in a state where all Minnesotans can live in dignity and joy.  

Join TakeAction members and activists to knock on doors in apartment buildings and talk to folks about paid time to care and health care. We will be door knocking all week, having honest conversations about what paid time to care and a people-centered health care system would look like here in Central Minnesota. Training, snacks, and water provided.

Sign up today to help constituents connect with legislators in their district. Register here. … Continue reading »

Knock for Care in St. Cloud

We believe in a state where all Minnesotans can live in dignity and joy.  

Join TakeAction members and activists to knock on doors in apartment buildings and talk to folks about paid time to care and health care. We will be door knocking all week, having honest conversations about what paid time to care and a people-centered health care system would look like here in Central Minnesota. Training, snacks, and water provided.

Sign up today to help constituents connect with legislators in their district. Register here. … Continue reading »

Knock for Care in St. Cloud

We believe in a state where all Minnesotans can live in dignity and joy.  

Join TakeAction members and activists to knock on doors in apartment buildings and talk to folks about paid time to care and health care. We will be door knocking all week, having honest conversations about what paid time to care and a people-centered health care system would look like here in Central Minnesota. Training, snacks, and water provided.

Sign up today to help constituents connect with legislators in their district. Register here. … Continue reading »

Knock for Care in St. Cloud

We believe in a state where all Minnesotans can live in dignity and joy.  

Join TakeAction members and activists to knock on doors in apartment buildings and talk to folks about paid time to care and health care. We will be door knocking all week, having honest conversations about what paid time to care and a people-centered health care system would look like here in Central Minnesota. Training, snacks, and water provided.

Sign up today to help constituents connect with legislators in their district. Register here. … Continue reading »

Knock for Care in St. Cloud

We believe in a state where all Minnesotans can live in dignity and joy.  

Join TakeAction members and activists to knock on doors in apartment buildings and talk to folks about paid time to care and health care. We will be door knocking all week, having honest conversations about what paid time to care and a people-centered health care system would look like here in Central Minnesota. Training, snacks, and water provided.

Sign up today to help constituents connect with legislators in their district. Register here. … Continue reading »

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