What is universal coverage?
Coverage that includes everyone is considered “universal.” When evaluating whether a plan is universal, one needs to consider whether truly 100% of the population is covered, or whether there are there gaps in coverage because of job transitions, failure to purchase insurance, unaffordable co-pays, etc. Some people claim that there is more than one way to obtain universal coverage, but the proposals offered by them do not cover everyone. The MnHP (like other similar single plans) is universal – it covers 100% of Minnesotans for all of their medical needs. There are some people who believe that mandating that people purchase health insurance would also achieve universal coverage. These two options differ significantly in how the coverage is financed. Under an insurance mandate, everyone would be expected to buy insurance, with the state subsidizing people who they determine to be unable to afford the policies. The MnHP or other single plans would operate like Medicare in that a single e
