Two Things That May Affect You In 2019

There will be a number of new laws and changes for Minnesotans in 2019. A couple of them were announced several months ago and perhaps you have forgotten them.

January 1, 2019 Minnesotans who earn the minimum wage will be getting a raise. Those who work for large employees will see their hourly rate of pay increase from $9.65 to $9.86. Minnesotans who work for smaller businesses will see their hourly wage increase from $7.87 to $8.04.

Locally there was an announcement this fall that could affect your pocketbook. In October Allina Health announced that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota agreed to include Owatonna Hospital in its Medicare Advantage plans for residents in numerous southern Minnesota counties including Steele, Waseca, and Dodge. Those enrolled in Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans and using the services at Owatonna Hospital will be considered In-Network effective in 2019. This change should result in lesser out-of-pocket expenses. Blue Cross patients who have an emergency medical condition and use the services of Owatonna Hospital's Emergency Department will be covered as In-Work.

Just a couple of changes you may have forgotten about as we get set for the new year.