Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Julie Siple and Tom Weber

Opinion: Why we should start talking about a state insurance mandate

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

State Sen. Scott Jensen, R- Chaska, one of only two doctors in the Minnesota Senate, recently wrote a column in the Star Tribune on the tax bill's removal of the individual insurance mandate.

"I have been asked if I would support a discussion regarding a state-based mandate for health care," he wrote. "Yes, I would engage such a conversation — why wouldn't I? Health care is infected with big problems, and easy solutions are not looming on the horizon. Legislators are in no position to close their minds to an idea that has received support from both sides of the aisle over the last 30 years."

MPR News host Tom Weber talked with Jensen about what an individual mandate would mean for Minnesota — and how to start the conversation.

Listen to their discussion by using the audio player above.