Readers’ Views
‘Day of Discovery’ planned
To the Editor:
There’s still room at the inn, the Holiday Inn in Fairmont, for people with disabilities, their families and staff to attend the second annual Day of Discovery.
Join us at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Martin County Self Advocates will be talking about their jobs, their lives and more.
Thanks to the Schmeeckle Grant, Arc will host workshops, dinner and a dance. There is no cost for parents attending the workshops. To reserve your spot, just call the Arc at (507) 235-8580 or Pat Kietzer at (507) 848-5017.
STEP will be offering information on its Schmeeckle grant involving employment. We will also have information on the Arc Minnesota micro grants program. Find out what opportunities may be available for people with disabilities.
Lee Ann Erickson
Arc Southwest
Fairmont
Republicans led reforms
To the Editor:
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released final rates for the 2018 individual insurance market, confirming that Republican-led reforms helped reverse the four straight years of double-digit premium increases and helped to expand health care choices to Minnesota families, particularly in rural areas.
According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 20 percent or higher without Republican reforms. The individual market serves Minnesotans who do not receive health insurance through their employer or the government.
Over the past four years, premium rates increased by double digits every year, including nearly 60 percent just one year ago. As a result of the reinsurance program recently approved by the federal government, all current insurers will continue serving the individual market next year. In addition, Republicans successfully pushed to expand health care options and improve access to hospitals and doctors. As part of the reinsurance legislation, providers are now required to offer in-network access to more than one health care provider system in the counties in which they operate.
This news shows we are heading in the right direction. Our reforms have improved health care options and have driven down costs, and Minnesotans shopping for health insurance can rest easier knowing they won’t face skyrocketing premium increases like they have in the past.
State Rep. Bob Gunther,
R-Fairmont
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