September, 2008

Thousands of eligible kids miss health coverage

September 9, 2008| Posted in Articles, Health Care, News Media

About 85,000 children remain without health insurance in Minnesota, and about half would qualify for state coverage but their families have not applied.

With schools back in session, the number of uninsured children puts a burden on school nurses, who now are being used as urgent care and primary care providers, with children coming in after a weekend with injuries or illnesses that should have been addressed earlier.

Reforms initiated in the past couple of years have simplified the procedure for applying for the state's health insurance programs, but Rep. Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, chairman of the House Health Care and Human Services Policy Committee, said at a State Capitol news conference that obstacles should be removed to gaining access, including the length of waiting periods and rising premiums in the program.

"There is a responsibility beyond the Legislature," Thissen added. "Community and families need to step up and make sure they are doing what's right for their kids and for all of our kids."

Thissen Announces “What’s In Your Child’s Backpack?” Program

September 8, 2008| Posted in Current Issue - Frontpage, Health Care, Innovating Government, Past Events

Rep. Paul Thissen, along with the Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota and Take Action Minnesota, announced an effort today to encourage parents to get health coverage for their children as part of the back-to-school routine. 

85,000 Minnesota children lack health coverage.  Children who don't have access to a doctor do not perform up to their potential in school.   We all lose as a result.

But we can do something about it.  For more information about how we work together to cover more kids in Minnesota, visit What's In Your Child's Backpack?

Rep. Thissen is the Chief Author of the Children's Health Security Act, work that resulted in nearly 40,000 children getting health coverage by 2011.

Kanabec County Barn Dance

September 6, 2008| Posted in Events, Past Events

Thanks to the Kanabec County DFL and Martin and Peggy Carlson for hosting a great event.  The Carlson's property is amazing and the turnout and energy was great.  It's what we need to win in November.

Otter Tail County DFL

September 4, 2008| Posted in Past Events

I was happy to visit Fergus Falls to meet with providers and others about our new Solutions for Rural Health Care Report.Otter Tail County DFL

Thanks to City Councilmember and State House Candidate Greg Stumbo and the Central Minnesota Area Health Education Center for hosting the event.



DFL Grape Stomp in Red Wing, MN

| Posted in Front Page Slideshow, Past Events

DFL Grape Stomp

I was lucky to have the chance to help turn Minnesota grapes into Minnesota wine at the DFL Grape Stomp in Red Wing -- and for a good cause.  Not surprisingly, I did not prevail in the grape stomping style competition.  It was all great fun!

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