| In
March 2006, leaders in health care, business, state government,
labor, education, and consumer advocacy came together to form
Healthy Minnesota, a Partnership for Reform. Their goal was
to recommend and implement strategies for health care reform.
The
partnership was convened by the Minnesota Medical Association
and began its discussions with the MMA’s "Physicians'
Plan for a Healthy Minnesota.” Then the Healthy
Minnesota Steering Committee spent a year developing its own
independent vision and strategies.
In
March 2007, members of the Healthy Minnesota Partnership announced
a sweeping vision for health care reform in Minnesota and
specific legislation in 2007. The bill introduction was announced
in a news
release and
at the Capitol on March 8 and received its first hearing on
March 13. A few of the partners continue as members of the
Partnership, but do not support the 2007 legislation.
The Healthy
Minnesota bill, SF1689/HF1856,
makes a commitment for the state to achieve universal coverage
by 2011, and sets out clear goals and a timeline to move toward
the goals.
Key provisions to be phased in over several years:
-
Require every Minnesotan to have health insurance.
- Require
health plans to offer insurance for the minimum benefit
set to all applicants.
- Start
to reform the payment system by creating medical home pilot
projects that coordinate care.
- Strengthen
the public health system.
The
Partnership’s vision for 2011 is health care insurance
for all Minnesotans, more affordable care and coverage, better
health status, greater value, strong patient-clinician relationships
and adequate, stable funding. See a visual
representation.
The Healthy Minnesota plan has stimulated discussion at the
Capitol and in the news.
News
Reports
|
