#tamnhc

MinnesotaCare has given Mark peace of mind for the past two years. Before that he had to purchase his own health insurance on the open market where the only plan he could afford came with a high deductible. Even though Mark is in good health, he knows that he has access to affordable care when his health needs it. MNCare serves an unmet need for our state, and it must continue providing affordable care to Minnesotans in need.

Katherine has been insured as an individual with BCBS for 12 years. She’s been informed that in 2016 the premium for her gold plan is going up 61%, from $550 to $884. Her insurance premium has been on a roller coaster ride for the last few years and this latest increase is more daunting than ever. Katherine wants to see all Minnesotans have affordable health care.

"I was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes early. I don't know if you know blood sugar levels but I was at 1500. I went into a coma. I'm grateful my mom got me there in time. I could not imagine living without the coverage I have through my mom. I rely upon it to live. I support health care for every one who is in need of it." Tiffiney’s health will be a delicate balance of care and support for a lifetime.

"My sister was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when she was in her teens. Thankfully, she has Relapsing Remitting MS. But, from her trying and getting sick on all kinds of drugs... The cost of her care! The cost of her drugs! She's so nervous to lose her coverage. I want to see stronger regulations that make sure providers aren't peddling drugs for kickbacks. I mean, it took my sister years to find the drugs that work for her. But her new provider is making her try a new drug first, before they'll let her get the drug she knows that works for her and she needs. It's crazy. She has to prove that the new drug doesn't work, and it will make her sick. This. Is. Nuts. We need a better system."

How does Jim know this? He was in sales and lived abroad for 20 years. In the UK. In Germany. In Australia. Now that he's retired, and lives on a pension back in the US, he wants to see a better health care system. One that cares for and supports all.

Kali is a student athlete and has had her share of injuries. "When I played my first year as an Auggie [in volleyball] my knees got banged a lot. Now I focus on track because I think about what it'd be like to need knee replacement surgery, like my dad did this year. I'm glad I have coverage through my dad, and I know how important my health care coverage has been for me. And will be in the future."

"Having insurance meant helping me as a kid." Squid lives with Aspberger's. He's a freshman in college and excited about studying away from home. He remembers his mom getting billed for diagnostic services. "They just wanted money and kept me from getting help. But after (the ACA)...I got better. It gets better." With healthcare, Squid has a full life in front of him with the support he needs.

I am a retired teacher. My Medicare plan doesn’t include dental, so I can’t afford it. How can we include dental care in all health care?