Neighbors,
I hope you’re all enjoying our February thaw. Days are getting brighter and optimism continues to grow as we receive a clearer picture for vaccine distribution in our state. This week, Minnesota announced a timeline of when Minnesotans could expect to receive the vaccine – based on components such as their age, occupation, and underlying medical conditions. The vaccine is expected to be available to all who want it by this summer.
Regardless of when you’re eligible to receive the vaccine, you should sign up for Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector, which will help notify when and where you can get your first dose.
By signing up, the Connector will:
- alert you when you are eligible to receive a vaccine;
- connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment; and
- notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area.
If you’ve already registered for the COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program or the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program, you’re already included in this database. In the meantime, it’s important that we continue to follow public health guidelines to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy.
MinnesotaCare – Public Option
In what started as a bipartisan initiative in 1992, MinnesotaCare currently provides health care for approximately 92,000 Minnesotans. This session, I’m co-authoring legislation that opens it up as an option to everyone. Minnesotans are facing higher premiums, higher deductibles, and an ever-narrowing pool of provider options. With a global pandemic, it’s clearer than ever that allowing more Minnesotans the option of taking advantage of a trusted, proven system will only strengthen public health.
This legislation would open up MinnesotaCare and allow Minnesotans beyond the current income guidelines to enroll in the program – paying premiums on a sliding, income-based scale. This would lower out-of-pocket costs and grant access to a strong network of providers. You can follow this bill as it goes through the legislative process here.
Stay Connected
The legislative session is getting busier, and the House Public Info page is a great resource for the latest legislative news, with recent coverage including the impact of COVID-19 on the arts, the latest on the Energy Efficiency Act, and efforts to close life-long skill gaps that start in early childhood.
If you have any questions or comments for me, the best way to touch base is through email (rep.michael.nelson@house.mn) or phone (651-296-3751). I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Rep. Michael V. Nelson