Written by Lindy Yokanovich
1. If you need to take time off work, new Minnesota laws may help you get paid.
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- Earned Sick and Safe Time (started on 1/1/24). Learn more at: https://dli.mn.gov/sick-leave
- Paid Leave (started on 1/1/26). Visit https://pl.mn.gov/ for details.
2. If you have medical debt, you have legal rights.
Minnesota has a new law called the Debt Fairness Act (started on 10/1/24). It helps protect people in Minnesota who owe money because of medical debt. Under the new law:
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- Your spouse will not be responsible for your medical debt.
- Health care providers cannot stop treating you because of medical debt.
- Unethical medical debt collection is stopped.
- Patients can dispute medical coding and billing mistakes.
- Medical debt cannot be reported to credit bureaus.
3. Laws can be different in each state.
In Minnesota, you can find helpful and trusted information from:
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- Minnesota Attorney General’s Office: They help with scams, debt, consumer issues, and healthcare billing. Visit https://ag.state.mn.us/ or call (651) 296-3353 (in Twin Cities), (800) 657-3787 (outside Twin Cities), or (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).
- LawHelpMN: They have information on benefits, family issues, housing, immigration, work, taxes, and can help you find a lawyer. Visit https://www.lawhelpmn.org/
- Cancer Legal Care: Provides legal help for people living in Minnesota and dealing with cancer-related issues at work, with insurance, with disability benefits, and with estate planning. Visit https://www.cancerlegalcare.org/ or call (651) 917-9000.
4. If you can’t work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
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- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplementary Security Income (SSI) are for people who can’t work long-term because of an illness or injury. They are not for short-term needs. Create an account at https://www.ssa.gov/ to see what benefits you may qualify for.
5. You have the right to make your wishes known now.
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- Make your wishes known to your family, friends, and healthcare team.
- Creating legal documents like a healthcare directive, financial power of attorney, and a will often brings peace of mind to patients and their loved ones.
