A bill that would provide health care for all Minnesotans was introduced today in the Legislature, with five senators and 23 House members as sponsors.

Health care politics being what they are, it's unclear what odds to give for its passage, or even whether anyone will take the bet.
But the sponsors say it's time for reform and their proposal, called the Minnesota Health Plan, would create  "an administratively simple and publicly accountable system of health care for all Minnesotans."

Coverage would be independent of employment status and premiums would be based on individual ability to pay.

"We're very excited to see growing support amongst legislators, the public and even among medical providers and the business community,” said Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville. “The economic crisis and skyrocketing costs of health care reflect the need for this legislation.”

Rep. David Bly, DFL-Northfield, said: “The current recession is costing thousands of Minnesotans their job and their health insurance. That is why now more than ever we need a solution to our health care crisis. The Minnesota Health Plan reflects the urgent need to reform our health care system to provide quality health care access to every Minnesotan and do it in the most economically efficient way possible.”

Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis, a health-care heavy hitter, is also backing the plan.