MN legislation addresses health exchange

Last week, Minnesota lawmakers unveiled preliminary plans for the state health insurance exchange. In addition, related legislation was presented to multiple committees for approval.

During a news conference at the state capitol last Wednesday, lawmakers announced they expect 1.2 million Minnesotans, roughly one-in-five state residents, will use the exchange to compare plans and purchase health insurance. Senator Tony Lourey said about 300,000 of them are currently uninsured, according to ABC affiliate KSTP-TV.

The new laws governing the exchange are the first legislative proposals scheduled for the Senate session. Hearings began this week.

The system will take place primarily online. One of the key issues up for discussion is how residents without internet access will use the exchange.

While lawmakers are keen on wrapping up legislative decisions concerning the exchange, other aspects of the Affordable Care Act remain uncertain, Star Tribune reports.

Many states are still waiting on clarifications from the federal government.

"If we're going to succeed in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act -- which our healthcare community and our state Legislature is ready to do; we're ready to be the nation's shining example of what a real embracing of health care reform broadly can mean for the people Minnesota -- we're going to need that strong state-federal partnership," said Senator Tony Lourey.