Affordable health care in rural communities

To the editor:

Southwest Minnesota families are struggling with skyrocketing healthcare costs — and yet, large hospital chains continue to shut down local clinics and eliminate essential services. This leaves rural communities like ours with fewer options and higher prices.

Representative Marj Fogelman has consistently voted against initiatives that could help families access affordable care. She opposed HF 1 (2025), which expanded state subsidized healthcare for legally residing immigrants and families in need and has resisted policies that support rural clinics and Telehealth expansion. Her votes favor bureaucracy and large hospital chains over real solutions for local families.

I believe healthcare should be affordable, accessible and locally accountable. We can achieve this without raising taxes by implementing budget-neutral reforms. Requiring hospitals and clinics to post transparent prices — encouraging competition — simplifying billing and insurance processes.

Our rural communities deserve quality care close to home at fair prices — not higher costs and disappearing services.

Jon Wilson

St. James