We’re growing and changing at TakeAction, and we want to get you caught up! We have three great organizers who are taking on lead roles in our organization. We want you to get to know them and learn a little bit about the vision they have for their new roles.
Amanda Otero and Jessica English have been with TakeAction for sometime, and have recently taken on new roles. Cacje Henderson is brand new to the TAMN team. Keep reading to learn about them!
Amanda Otero, Deputy Organizing Director
I organize because I am pushed every day to live into the truth that I am enough. As a woman and as a light-skin Latina, I have been told time and again that I’m not enough, and because of this, I’ve lived a lot of my life out of a place of shame. Organizing has given me the opportunity to say ya basta, to affirm who I am, to develop a vision for myself.
As TakeAction’s Deputy Organizing Director, I am excited to work more closely with our organizers and leaders to model the kind of organizing we want to see in our state – one where we can take on bold changes, where dismantling structural oppression in our own lives and in our communities is a priority, where we know when to listen and follow the lead of people directly impacted by the issues we’re fighting against.… Continue reading »
Come tell your legislators why we need affordable, quality health care for all Minnesotans. We’ll be joining with our partner organizations to talk about several pieces of legislation that would expand access to health care. No experience is necessary – you’ll get training and will be in a small group for the legislative visits. Let us know if you need transportation or childcare.
Expanded coverage under the federal health law apparently drove a significant decline in the number of uninsured children in Minnesota, a new report finds, with the state’s coverage gains for kids outpacing those in most other states.
The number of Minnesota children lacking coverage fell from about 86,000 in 2013 to fewer than 48,000 in 2014, according to the report being released Thursday from researchers at the University of Minnesota.
Nationally, the uninsured rate among children age 0 to 18 fell from 7.5 percent in 2013 to 6.3 percent in 2014, with Minnesota’s rate falling from 6.3 percent to 3.5 percent.
Declines were expected since the federal Affordable Care Act in 2014 expanded public health insurance coverage and provided tax credits to many buying private coverage. But the magnitude of coverage gains in Minnesota was surprising, researchers said, and noteworthy because the benefit was concentrated among low-income and nonwhite residents.
“This drop from 2013 to 2014 is really historic,” said Elizabeth Lukanen, a public health researcher at the U. “We feel pretty confident that we can attribute these gains to the Affordable Care Act.”
The new report can’t prove a link between coverage gains and the health law, but Lukanen said the link seems particularly strong in Minnesota where the state opted to expand eligibility in public insurance programs.… Continue reading »
MNCare Restoration to 275%, Repeal of Provider Tax Sunset, Undocumented Coverage Extension Critical Advances for Minnesota Families
St. Paul, MN – TakeAction Minnesota’s Associate Director, Liz Doyle, released the following statement in response to today’s passage of final recommendations from the Health Care Finance Task Force:
“Today the Health Care Financing Task Force was able to make significant advances for Minnesota health care consumers in the recommendations put forward, making good on its mission to improve health care affordability and access for more Minnesotans. TakeAction Minnesota was proud to have served in this capacity. The recommendation, if passed by the legislature, builds on what is already working in our state by extending health care coverage to a larger number of Minnesotans.
“Minnesotans continue to be asked to pay more and more for less and less health care coverage, with too many being left in the lurch with private plan deductibles and premiums they have no ability to pay for. By restoring MinnesotaCare to its previous 275% level, and repealing the sunset on the provider tax which helps to fund this successful program, more low-income working adults will be able to afford the care they need, without fear of coverage gaps.… Continue reading »
As a MN citizen and taxpayer; retired public health nurse; a health care reform advocate; and, someone who needs health care, I care deeply about people and how health care policy and financing affects them. Decisions made at the state level about health care directly impact me, my family, and my community.
I realized how complicated and unaffordable health insurance is when my husband and I retired early and were forced to purchase private insurance. We couldn’t find affordable coverage, and ended up being uninsured for a while and then paying way too much for our insurance. Now, we’re grateful to be on Medicare.
I’ve also volunteered in my community as a Navigator, helping folks get connected to new coverage options under the ACA. I’ve worked with countless families who struggle with the cost of coverage, while observing how insurance companies continue to make astronomical profits, even off of our public health care programs.
During the last legislative session, conservative legislators attacked public health programs such as MinnesotaCare and the MNsure exchange. Governor Dayton, recognizing the work that needs to be done to address these issues, initiated a Health Care Financing Task Force (TF). Made up of 29 members, there are 8 legislators and a variety of people representing categories of non-profit organizations, health care providers, the insurance industry, and others.… Continue reading »
This summer, along with partner organizations, we are working to bring together a series of trainings that will build your public leadership and create space to discuss and collectively combat systems of injustice. Trainings will happen one Saturday and one Tuesday a month.
At all trainings you will gain concrete community organizing skills and a deeper understanding of “politics” in Minnesota/US. Each training will focus on different topic, but all the trainings are based in the reality that if we do not come together and build collective power to address the structural oppressions we face, we will remain hopeless. We’ll be focusing on Building a New World Part II in this training.
Food and childcare available for all those that register. If you have questions, please email kandacem@takeactionminnesota.org
On July 13th, the White House will host the national White House Conference on Aging. This event only happens every ten years and historically has led to some of the most significant retirement security programs and policies in the country, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Please join TakeAction’s Senior Caucus — a group of older Minnesotans who recognize how much politics impacts how we care for each other across generations — for a watch party on Monday, July 13th at 8:30am. We’ll gather for breakfast treats and watch part of the conference via live stream starting at 9am. It will include remarks by President Obama and author of the “Age of Dignity” and Caring Across Generations co-executive director Ai-jen Poo.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
A Republican proposal to eliminate MinnesotaCare would save about $563 million over two years by getting rid of the program, which provides health insurance for people who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford their own insurance if they aren’t offered any by an employer.
Earlier this week, we spoke with Republican Rep. Matt Dean about the proposal. The House bill would move MinnesotaCare enrollees to MNSure and help them pay for a plan.
But the idea has opposition, including Gov. Mark Dayton and most DFLers. It’s also opposed by the group TakeAction Minnesota. MPR News’ Tom Weber talked with Liz Doyle, associate director of that group.
St. Paul, MN – TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement on the House Republican omnibus Health and Human Services bill, reacting to Representative Matt Dean’s plan to eliminate MinnesotaCare for over 95,000 working adults:
“Representative Dean’s carefully worded headline leaves out a critical, and extensive, population – the over 95,000 working Minnesota adults making $8-$12 per hour who will have to struggle to find affordable, comprehensive health care coverage if MinnesotaCare is eliminated.
“The only thing we do know about Representative Dean’s plan is that the MinnesotaCare population currently enrolled in this popular and effective program will pay much more for much less while hunting and pecking through private market plans.
“It appears that abolishing MinnesotaCare is not only central to Representative Dean’s Health and Human Services budget bill but also to making the overall budget numbers work for House Republicans, determined to provide huge tax breaks for big corporations.
“Representative Dean’s controversial plan to abolish an effective health care program for low-income working Minnesotans has created an uproar both outside, and inside, the Capitol. That is because despite a $1.9 billion budget surplus, he is working to dismantle quality, affordable health coverage that working Minnesotans around our state, especially in Greater Minnesota, depend on.”… Continue reading »
We’ll meet for a lobbying training from 1-2pm at Christ Lutheran Church, then lobby legislators around protecting healthcare and workers’ rights (MinnesotaCare, Earned Sick and Safety Time, and the Working Parents Act) and improving transit. We’ll schedule your lobby visits between 2pm and 5:30pm based on when you can be there. We’re holding our elected officials accountable to the needs of our communities!
Click here to attend! Be sure to add your phone number, as the agenda for the day is subject to last minute changes and we will need to contact you with updates.
We have information on car and public transit accessibility of the site. We’ll also arrange carpools to and from the action from the TakeAction MN office (705 Raymond Ave., St Paul 55114). If you have questions or concerns regarding transit or anything else, contact Brian at 651-260-9498 or brian@takeactionminnesota.org.… Continue reading »
Eliminating a public health care program called MinnesotaCare could end up being a critical part of the budget plan adopted by the Republican-controlled Minnesota House.
But at least one Republican legislator says he doesn’t support a bill to get rid of MinnesotaCare. In committee he voted against the legislation, which is sponsored by Rep. Matt Dean, R-Dellwood.
“From an employer’s standpoint, in greater Minnesota and as a small employer… I just didn’t think today is the day to say goodbye to MinnesotaCare. I have employees who are still using it,” said Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, who operates restaurants and hotels in the Willmar area. “We’re not quite there yet, but down the road it’s something we should address.”
MinnesotaCare is more than two decades old. It provides state subsidies to help people buy health insurance when they make too much money to qualify for Medical Assistance, but don’t get coverage through an employer and can’t afford to buy their own plan.
Dean’s plan would move these participants to MNsure, the state’s health insurance exchange, where they would buy a health insurance plan that Dean says will be better tailored to their needs. Dean said his proposal could save roughly $900 million, with some of that money being spent on other GOP priorities like nursing home funding.… Continue reading »
St. Paul, MN – The following letter, signed by 78 organizations from across the state, was sent to House Speaker Kurt Daudt this afternoon. The letter urges Daudt to oppose the elimination of MinnesotaCare, as proposed by H.F. 1665. Copies of the letter were also forwarded to Governor Mark Dayton, Commissioner Lucinda Jesson, Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, Senate Minority Leader David Hann, Senator Tony Lourey, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen and Representative Matt Dean:
March 27, 2015
Representative Kurt Daudt
Speaker of the House
463 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
Re: HF1665
Dear Speaker Daudt:
The undersigned 78 organizations are writing to urge you to oppose the elimination of MinnesotaCare, as proposed under HF1665. MinnesotaCare has provided reliable, comprehensive, affordable public health coverage to Minnesota families for over 20 years. Its elimination would harm over 90,000 Minnesotans who rely on it for affordable health care.
MinnesotaCare is an essential source of health coverage for working families across the state. Individuals are eligible for MinnesotaCare if they earn between $15,500 and $23,300 per year for a single individual – for example full-time workers earning $8 to $12 an hour.… Continue reading »
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 »
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 »
The United States is the only advanced economy with no paid parental leave policy, no paid sick days. The cost of child care outstrips tuition for public universities in many states. Women still earn less than men, in many cases, for doing equal work. The minimum wage traps families in the lowest rungs of the socio-economic ladder. In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Barack Obama said it was time to change all that.
“Really,” he said. “It’s 2015. It’s time.”
And a poll of likely 2016 voters being released on Wednesday by the Make It Work campaign, an advocacy organization pushing to make these working family issues central to the 2016 campaign, found that Democratic, Independent and even Republican voters overwhelmingly agree.
Large majorities of voters of all persuasions said they are in favor of paid sick days, equal pay for equal work and affordable child and elder care, and 73 percent say the government has a responsibility to ensure employers treat employees fairly by providing them with such policies. About 70 percent said that workplace laws and policies are out of synch with the changing realities of modern families, and with the changing roles of men and women at work and at home.… Continue reading »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Did you know that thousands of Minnesotans STILL don’t have coverage? That’s right – many of your friends, family, and neighbors are still living without health care. No one can reach them better than the people they already know and trust. And that’s why we need YOU to spread the word. Share your story — in your own words — of getting covered via Facebook, Twitter, or email and make sure your friends and family know about MNsure and where to get help enrolling.
We’ve got three ways for you to spread the word. There’s some sample text when you follow the link, but we encourage you to write you own, especially if you yourself got covered through MNsure. How you got in-person help, how much you are saving, or how you feel about having coverage:
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.
Wondering what you might qualify for this year on the MNsure exchange? Use this chart to get a quick sense of what kind of health coverage you can get from MNsure and what your expected monthly cost might be.… Continue reading »
Let’s make sure our community’s voices are heard! The lives of people of color getting better depends on US casting ballots to make sure our concerns are priorities for the people we elect. We can’t wait to EXPAND THE VOTE and build community power with you.
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.
re 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.
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.
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.
