St. Paul, MN - Today, Senator Erin Murphy (DFL - St. Paul) and Representative Todd Lippert (DFL - Northfield) introduced legislation to create a Public Health Care Commission for Minnesota. Working in a similar function as the Minnesota Public Utilities Commision, this commission would be a statewide body focused on increasing access to affordable health care, creating a comprehensive, cohesive plan that centers the values and needs of patients, providers, and communities.
“Minnesotans deserve a health care system that they can count on when they’re sick, regardless of zip code, race, or income,” said Sen. Murphy. “While we live in a state lauded for its high-quality health care, the care people need is no longer the goal for the market-based industry. The ethic of care has been replaced by competing networks pursuing market position and lucrative revenue streams, leaving the health of Minnesotans behind. It’s time for a public commission invested with the power to engage, regulate, and build a system that has the health and care of Minnesotans as its purpose and priority.”
Rep. Lippert and Sen. Murphy point to recent trends in hospital closures that have demonstrated the need for a public voice in our health care system. According to the National Rural Health Association, a hospital generates about 170 jobs and provides up to 20% of the employment income in small communities. Changes to these systems can lead to an economic collapse in rural towns.
“The closure of hospital campuses and the removal of basic hospital services has become an issue of increasing concern across Minnesota,” said Rep. Lippert. “In rural areas, and in our cities, more Minnesotans are struggling to access basic care. These closures and changes have been impacting health care workers in painful ways too. We need a Public Health Care Commission that can truly protect the public interest and ensure that when health care decisions are being made, the needs of patients and communities will come before profits.”
The commission would be made up of six members, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. When selecting commissioners, consideration would be given to persons who have engaged in the profession of health care economics, health care administration, medicine, nursing, public accounting, finance, and law, as well as being representative of the general public.