The Minnesota Rural Health Cooperative was authorized in 1994 to provide better health care access to rural communities, by allowing multiple service providers to contract jointly with healthcare insurers. A new law gives the Department of Health more oversight responsibilities for the 40 hospitals and clinics and 10 specialty clinics that comprise that cooperative and others like them.
For a $2,000 fee, health care providers may submit an application to the department to form a cooperative. The department will have 60 days to review, approve or deny the application. The fee to modify, renew or extend a cooperative agreement is $500.
When considering whether to approve an application, the health commissioner must consider the potential for antitrust violations and may revoke the cooperative privilege if the contract parties do not comply with state regulations.
An active investigation by the Federal Trade Commission is ongoing for allegations that the cooperative engaged in collective negotiations of physician, hospital and pharmacy prices, according to the FTC.
The law, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009, keeps application data collected on individuals private. Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph) and Sen. Gary Kubly (DFL-Granite Falls) are the law’s sponsors.
HF120/SF203*/CH97
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
(view full story)
Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
(view full story)
Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
(view full story)
Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009