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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.

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.

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.

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.

Minnesota’s hospitals, health systems, clinics and health plans are taking extra steps this year to make getting the flu shot safer and easier during the pandemic. Learn more about these efforts in this article from the Minnesota Council of Health Plans and Minnesota Hospital Association.

Measles is a disease that we all need to take seriously, particularly as we commence back-to-school season, begin fall sports and start to do more activities indoors. Here’s a little “Measles 101,” including information on why it’s important — and safe — to be vaccinated against it.