Op Ed: Be an informed health care voter this November.

Thrilled to have my opinion published in the Star Tribune on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Here it is in full:

Health insurance plans, community hospitals and health systems are in a state of flux in Minnesota. It’s a time of great uncertainty for patients, health plan members (including seniors), and for healthcare workers.

Through all of this complexity, one thing remains clear: our votes matter. Minnesotans are reliably civic minded and consistently post high voter numbers. We are facing big choices in this midterm election, including a U.S. Senate race, not to mention the governor’s race and other state-level races.

Medicare Advantage plans are in flux, and the open enrollment period lines up well with midterm voting. As seniors head to the polls, healthcare and health insurance are sure to factor into their decisions. But this is bigger than our seniors.

Regardless of your age, Minnesotans need you to be a healthcare voter this November. As you research and ask questions of the candidates seeking to represent you, be sure to ask them about their stance on issues related to your healthcare options. Our state’s future health relies on us asking the hard questions about funding and priorities today. This is not the time for complacency. Early voting is open. Speak up for your community’s health and be an informed healthcare voter this midterm.

Sarah Steffen, St. Louis Park