AFP-MN to House: Protect Patients and Reject Opioid Fees Bill

Mar 18, 2019 by AFP

ST. PAUL, MN – Americans for Prosperity-Minnesota (AFP-MN) today urged the Minnesota House to reject HF400, a bill that would impose additional prescription drug licensing fees onto patients using painkillers. AFP-MN sent the members of the House a key vote letter calling on members to vote “No” on HF 400.

AFP-MN believes the opioid crisis requires thoughtful, compassionate, long-term attention; however, a fee increase that specifically targets sick people and raises the cost of their treatment is not a thoughtful plan—and is not compassionate.

View Key Vote Letter Here.

AFP-MN State Director Jason Flohrs issued the following statement:

“We all agree that the opioid crisis requires thoughtful, long-term, compassionate attention, and we are willing to work with anyone to find a solution. But raising the price of medicine that sick people desperately need is none of those—certainly not compassionate. Minnesota has a billion-dollar surplus. Surely, we can find the money to address the opioid crisis without punishing Minnesotans who are dealing with chronic pain. We urge the House to reject this and find a better way to address the opioid crisis.”

Background:

AFP-MN has been at the forefront of opposing additional fees on Minnesota patients who are already facing high health care costs.

Opioid Tax Punishes Patients with Higher Costs (1/30/19)

AFP-MN Thanks House Committee for Tabling Opioid Tax Increase (3/2/18)

AFP-MN to Legislature: Reject Opioid Fee Increase and Protect Minnesotans from Rising Health Care Costs (5/10/18)