Chronic Illness and Healthcare

Fix the Insurance Trap

For many Minnesotans, health insurance doesn’t mean health security. Even with coverage, out-of-pocket costs, surprise bills, and denied claims keep people from getting care. High-deductible plans have become the norm, shifting more risk onto working families while insurers post record profits.
It’s time to enforce transparency in billing and coverage, hold insurers accountable for unjust denials, and standardize plan terms so families know what they’re actually paying for. A national cap on deductibles relative to income and stronger protections against surprise billing would bring relief to millions without overhauling the entire system.

Support People Living with Chronic Illness

Over 60% of adults in the U.S. live with at least one chronic condition, yet our healthcare system is still designed for emergencies and short-term care. Long-term illnesses like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, like Crohn’s, require consistent treatment. But many patients struggle with gaps in coverage, specialist shortages, and fragmented care.
Reforming Medicare and Medicaid to cover comprehensive chronic care would reduce ER visits and improve outcomes. Regional pilot programs that coordinate care among local clinics, specialists, and support services can serve as a national model for treating long-term illness as a public health priority.

Make Prescription Drugs Affordable

The cost of life-saving medications in the U.S. is among the highest in the world. Drug companies use patents and middlemen to keep prices inflated while everyday people skip doses or ration prescriptions.
Congress should expand drug price negotiation powers, not just for Medicare, but across the board. Closing loopholes that prevent generic alternatives from entering the market and capping out-of-pocket drug costs would save lives without stifling innovation.

Protect Rural Health Access

Rural clinics and hospitals are closing at an alarming rate, forcing families to drive hours for basic care or go without. Many of these closures stem from outdated reimbursement models that don’t reflect the cost of operating in smaller communities.
We must update rural health funding formulas to keep local clinics open and support mobile health units that bring essential services to isolated areas. Telehealth should be permanently expanded, with broadband investments ensuring no Minnesotan is left behind due to geography.

End Medical Debt as a Life Sentence

Medical bills are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy even for those with insurance. It’s a silent crisis that punishes people for getting sick and burdens families for decades.
We need laws that limit interest and collections on medical debt, remove it from credit reporting, and require hospitals to offer payment plans based on income. Health crises shouldn’t become financial ones.