Health and Human Serivces Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of a new report highlighting the benefits of health insurance reform for Minnesota.

Under health insurance reform in Minnesota:

• 519,000 residents who do not currently have insurance and 356,000 residents who have nongroup insurance could get affordable coverage through the health insurance exchange.
• 282,000 residents could qualify for premium tax credits to help them purchase health coverage.
• 747,000 seniors would receive free preventive services.
• 133,000 seniors would have their brand-name drug costs in the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” halved.
• 72,400 small businesses could be helped by a small business tax credit to make premiums more affordable.

The report also notes that if we do nothing, by 2019 the number of uninsured people will grow by more than 30 percent in 29 states and by at least 10 percent in every state. Without reform, the amount of uncompensated care provided will more than double in 45 states. Additionally, businesses in 27 states will see their premiums more than double and fewer people will have coverage through an employer if the status quo continues.

Note: This post originally appeared on the ABM blog on Nov 23rd, 2009.