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Possible MN law change would require insurance companies to provide life-saving treatment to patients with rare diseases
MINNEAPOLIS, MN—Of the 5 million people living in Minnesota, a very small number are afflicted with extremely rare, and expensive, diseases. They’re so rare that doctors sometimes have trouble diagnosing them and insurance doesn’t always cover them.
Now, the Minnesota legislature may change the law and order insurance companies to provide life-saving treatment to patients who might die without it.
Julie Knutson of Chisago City pays more for her weekly medicine than most people pay for their mortgage. “This costs approximately $1500 to $1700 a week,” said Knutson, holding a plastic bag with six small boxes. “Just for this.”
It’s not just any medicine. Knutson calls it ‘liquid gold.’ Her immune system is so weak that she can’t be exposed to germs and bacteria at hospitals or clinics, and she limits her visits to grocery stores.
