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Understanding How Health Insurance Works in Minnesota
Health insurance coverage helps spread out the cost of expensive health care, helping people gain access to care that they otherwise couldn’t afford. You never know when you might get sick, injured or when you may need costly care. Health insurance also covers preventive care like doctor visits, vaccinations and screenings before you ever get sick.
In 2021, Health Plans Will Continue to Play Key Role in Helping Minnesota Heal
The COVID-19 pandemic – as well as the racial unrest that ensued after the murder of George Floyd last summer – pushed the health care system in ways that no one could ever have imagined. We knew we needed to come together to help Minnesota heal, and Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans have stepped up in a number of ways to support our state.
This Holiday Season, Let’s Protect Ourselves and Each Other
Lucas Nesse, CEO of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, stresses the importance of preventing the spread of COVID-19 this holiday season. This means protecting your friends and loved ones, protecting your community and protecting yourself. We all know the holidays as a time to come together and be close, but we need to think differently this year.
Pre-Existing Conditions: A Refresher Course
A pre-existing condition is any health condition you have before your health insurance coverage starts. The ACA offers important protections for Americans living with pre-existing conditions. In light of this, it’s important to remember what pre-existing conditions are, including how the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. the ACA, or “Obamacare”) changed how insurance companies treat them.
Honoring World Mental Health Day
The Council is sharing the mental health work being done by Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans and some of the free online resources that are available for those who need it. Our local health plan members care deeply about the health, safety and wellness of Minnesotans and in recent months, they’ve ramped up efforts even more to meet Minnesotans’ mental health needs.
What to Do If You Lose Job-based Health Insurance Coverage
It is important to know your options if you lose your employer-sponsored health insurance due to a job loss. Depending on your health, age and financial situation, you may qualify for low or no-cost health insurance coverage or for subsidies that will help lower what you pay for coverage if you are buying insurance on your own.
Is This the Most Important Flu Shot Ever?
As flu season rapidly approaches, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how and when to receive this year’s influenza vaccine. This year more than any other, the flu shot is essential to keep you, your children, your neighbors and our entire health care system healthy. Learn the basics about the flu and the vaccine that can offer you protection from it.