Hello Neighbors,
I have been enjoying these first days of fall touring the district and meeting with many of you to discuss the needs to be addressed in the next legislative session. Thank you for the many event invitations, I value the opportunity to connect and attend.
St. Croix River Education District Forum
It was a pleasure to participate in the St. Croix River Education District’s Legislative Forum recently. I enjoy having the opportunity to discuss how schools can contribute to the community by supporting our students in mastering the fundamentals.
Congratulations to Pine County for receiving the “Innovation in Education” Award presented to Terry Fawcett, Director of Probation; Becky Foss, Director of Health and Human Services; Reese Frederickson, County Attorney; Sodney Silko, Assistant County Attorney and Honorable Judge Heather Wynn.
Internship opportunity at the MN Senate
The Senate Internship Program for the 2020 legislative session is taking applications until Thursday, October 31, 2019.. Students in public and private universities in Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, as well as various student groups are eligible.
If you’re aware of a student who’s interested in being a Senate intern, please encourage them to apply as soon as possible. On-line applications are available on the Senate’s website (www.senate.mn) under “Employment Opportunities.” If you have questions, please contact my office.
Congratulations to our Schools of Excellence
Each year the Minnesota Elementary School Principal’s Association selects Minnesota Schools of Excellence. This year there were only eight schools across Minnesota that were given this validation of excellence and continual growth in a school community. I am proud to say that we have two of those eight schools in our area!
Please help me congratulate Mora Elementary and Principals Randy Qual and Brenda Spartz, and also Washington Elementary and Principal Robbi Mondati for their accomplishments.
WATCH Senator Rarick congratulate Mora Elementary.
WATCH Senator Rarick congratulate Washington Elementary.
2020 Health insurance rates remain stable
The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced this week that all five of the carriers on the individual market are lowering premiums or effectively holding premiums flat for 2020, with rates ranging between a .18% increase and a 20% decrease
As recently as 3 years ago MNsure nearly destroyed our individual market. It was the Republican reinsurance program that stopped the bleeding and reversed the damage, and once again the results are crystal clear. Instead of double-digit premium increases, rates are falling or staying flat. Instead of not having any choices, every county in the state will have at least two insurance options. Instead of insurers leaving in droves, there will be almost 40 new plans available next year. I know we have more work to do, and I will remain focused on lowering health care costs for every Minnesotan, but this announcement is more great news.
Senate continues work on insulin affordability
Several of my colleagues and I unveiled the Minnesota Insulin Patient Assistance Program a few weeks ago, a new plan to provide access to insulin for Minnesotans unable to afford the high cost of this life-saving medicine. The program requires insulin drug manufacturers to provide insulin to Minnesota doctors on behalf of their eligible patients. To qualify, Minnesotans with diabetes must have a family income less than 400% of the federal poverty level and not be covered by another state or federal healthcare program such as Medicare, Medicaid, or MinnesotaCare.
Under this plan, patients would work through their doctor’s office to acquire free insulin from the manufacturers, fostering stronger doctor-patient relationships. MNsure will have five days to determine eligibility for diabetes patients. Doctors will use the patient eligibility statement to order a 120-day supply of insulin from the preferred manufacturer. Patients remain eligible for the program for one year and can reorder insulin during that time.
Since their presentation of this plan, the Health and Human Services Committee has met to hear from Minnesotans who have had trouble affording insulin due to the rising prices. Conversations will continue as they develop the best possible plan which could be implemented by January of 2020.
In the meantime, we are seeing insurance companies, such as Medica, capping insulin prices at $25 for their members. Also, this week MNsure made an announcement that 2020 rates are going down or remaining flat, and every county will have at least two options. It is great to see the results of our efforts to improve health care accessibility and affordability.
Stay in Touch
I’d like to remind residents that I am always available to answer your questions or concerns. Please email me anytime at sen.jason.rarick@senate.mn or call my office in St. Paul at 651-296-1508.
Thank you for giving me the privilege of serving you in the Minnesota Senate!