MMA Thanks Klobuchar, Smith for Their Support of Healthcare Subsidies

July 14, 2022

The MMA recently reached out to the U.S. senators from Minnesota, thanking them for their work on further advocating for expanded healthcare subsidies that are slated to expire at the end of the year.  

As the letter explains, if Congress does not act to make these subsidies permanent, millions of people across the country will face steep hikes in marketplace premiums, including  44,200 of Minnesota’s uninsured population. 

The letter to Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith goes on to state that the “healthcare subsidy expansion was a critical first step toward improving the health and well-being of Minnesotans. The expansion was particularly critical for the state’s low-income residents, as it reduced annual premium payments by an average of $600 per year.” 

On July 6, the previously stalled reconciliation package was revived by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the two main negotiators in the Senate. President Joe Biden and Democratic leaders are still awaiting a firm response from Manchin regarding the insurance subsidy provisions. Despite solid support from many Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors and thousands of his own constituents, Manchin has yet to confirm his stance on the issue. 

Smith’s office replied to the MMA, stating that the senator has voiced her strong support to extend enhanced premium subsidies and cost sharing reductions on a permanent basis and expressed appreciation for MMA’s advocacy and support. Klobuchar has also been supportive on the issue, signing onto a letter to Congressional leadership.