Minnesota could create a single statewide health care exchange to help control increasing health care costs for all Minnesotans, according Dr. Douglas Wood, cardiologist and vice chairman of Mayo Clinic’s health care policy and research.
Wood presented Feb. 2 to the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee the proposal for an exchange that could be publicly and privately shared, and would consist of individually owned insurance not dependent on an employer and that would handle all enrollment and eligibility for Medicaid and other public programs.
He said health care spending is growing faster than the economy can support and patients aren’t getting value for what they spend on health care. “The costs of family coverage have more than doubled since 2006.”
Another issue is that government reimburses for certain procedures, rather than using a less costly method. Under current Medicaid reimbursement rates, Wood said, as a cardiologist, he is reimbursed a greater amount for bypass surgery rather than a regiment of prescription medication for a patient. The federal government “makes rationing decisions every day,” but the key to reform is making rational health decisions instead, he said.
The advantages of an exchange could include affordable insurance for families, predictable costs for businesses and state government and plans could concentrate on developing long-range relationships and delivery systems that produce better results at a lower cost, Wood said. Additionally, provider reimbursement rates could be based on whether a physician shared medical options with a patient.
Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) said the proposal is something that he could support.
The proposal has “principles we can all agree on,” said Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph). He hopes the committee can come up with a proposal before the end of session.
A positive balance
Omnibus health care law focuses on reform, restoring cuts and delaying pending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Looking out for children and families
Law offers new safe haven option for newborns; addresses adoption and child safety
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Caring for those who care for others
Omnibus health and human services bill remains a moving target
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
Nursing home funding models
Should residents who can afford to, pay more?
(view full story)
Published 3/23/2012
Minnesota Index: Smoking in the state
Facts and statistics on tobacco use in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/16/2012
Reform measures draw support
Health and human services reductions draw sharp DFL rebuke
(view full story)
Published 8/11/2011
Delivery of health and human services
Governor says proposal puts too many people in health care jeopardy
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Surgical precision
HHS budget — end-of-session sticking point
(view full story)
Published 5/20/2011
Advocating for patients and constituents
Nurses as legislators add their perspective to health care issues
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2011
Aiming for reform
House approves omnibus health and human services finance bill
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Omnibus game and fish bill approved
Deer hunting, two-line fishing provisions push people’s buttons
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Care for underserved communities
Community paramedic program is a ‘first of its kind’ proponents say
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
A hand up in climb out of poverty
Bipartisan initiative looks to fund expansion of ‘Circles of Support’ program
(view full story)
Published 4/1/2011
Feature: A healthier Minnesota
Long-term savings the goal of statewide improvement plan
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
At Issue: No access for all
Report says more oversight needed of state-funded non-emergency transportation
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011