Health Care Legislation Wrapup

Most of the health-related proposals were added to the Senate supplemental appropriations bill. When the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life apparently convinced a majority of senators that they should tack anti-abortion amendments to the legislation, Senator Berglin pulled her language from the bill. However, the Senate initiatives were never part of the House supplemental appropriations, so even if they had been in play during conference committee deliberations, only one or two might have survived.

The Health Care Action Team, a Catholic Charities initiative, met Monday, May 22, to determine the direction the group will take in the next six months. They will form three sub-groups to: Develop a strategic plan for the Health Care Action Team Develop and further relationships with local and national health care allies, and research what steps other groups and states are taking to make health care universal. Put together forums on health care to be presented to parish groups. Call Patrick Ness at 651-291-4484 if you would like to participate in one of these committees.

On the other hand, what was stopped this session was equally important. Language in the House supplemental appropriations bill did not make it to first base with members of the Senate. As a result, county employees will not be required to "rat" on undocumented workers who seek health care. A surplus in the health care access fund, financed by a 2% tax on providers to finance MinnesotaCare, will not be handed over to insurance companies to help them pay for the uninsured. People on life support will not be force-fed and can die in dignity. And laws governing a woman’s right to choose will not be altered. These are important victories.

Also on the plus side, the Supreme Court ruled that the health care fee did not violate an agreement between the Attorney General and tobacco companies which stated that tobacco interests would not be subject to further actions. The court emphasized that the fee is imposed on smokers so it wasn’t hurting tobacco companies, and furthermore, the Attorney General cannot bind what future legislatures might do. And the court didn’t care whether it was a fee or a tax. Money collected by the fee has been sitting in a special fund since the tobacco companies won a district court case but will now be released into the general fund.

Other legislation which will have to wait for another year includes the "Wal-mart bill" which would have required large employers to pay a proportional share of medical costs for their employees and a constitutional amendment stating that every Minnesotan has the right to health care.

Jane Tschida has attended Joan of Arc off and on for about 35 years.  She and husband Paul are parishioners. Jane is a retired non-profit association director and has always been involved in public affairs. Her goal is to become more involved in social ministry at Joan of Arc, and writing for the web site is her first attempt.

Unlike in years past, there will be enough money in 2007 to insure children, to get a start on universal health care, to reduce the price of prescription drugs, to guarantee good mental health care. It’s the will of some office-holders which is in question. All House and Senate members and the governor are up for election. Voters who are concerned about the cost and availability of health care obviously need to elect those people who will step up to the plate to solve the health care problem, but they must also find a way to stop the MCCL from dictating policy for all Minnesotans.