From the tower...

Tim Burkhardt — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:54:00 +0000

From where I sit, it looks like the issue of healthcare is a key element, perhaps the deciding element, in this year's race for the Whitehouse. What will be hard to do is to parse the differences between the plans being offered by Clinton, Obama and Edwards. Unfortunately, none of the plans removes the most costly part of the healthcare system, namely the insurance companies and HMOs. Leaving those entities as part of the reform packages being offered by candidates is surefire disaster. It's too bad they haven't learned from the past, especially Clinton.

Legislative Update - Active Bills

Tim Burkhardt — Thu, 03 May 2007 02:18:00 +0000

The end of session may be approaching, but these bills are still active!

CHSA (Children’s Health Security Act) is also known as the “cover all kids” bill. The Senate bill is not included in the Omnibus bill at this point and is being promoted on its own merits. It has a companion bill in the House that is included in the House Omnibus bill.

In the Senate it is SF#15 - (Author Sen. Prettner-Solon)
In the House it is HF#1 - (Author Rep. Thissen)

The Statewide Health Care Purchasing Pool Study creates a group to study how MN could create a voluntary, unsubsidized, statewide purchasing pool to directly purchase health care services without interference from health plan companies. This bill is active in both chambers and is included in both the House and Senate Omnibus bills.

In the Senate it is SF#485 - (Author Sen. Mary Olson)
In the House it is HF#1586 - (Author Rep. Tschumper)

The Direct Contracting (formerly known as deprivatization) bill is designed to remove the HMO (private) middlemen from the administration of the state run public health programs MA, GAMC, and MnCare (Medical Assistance, General Assistance Medical Care and Minnesota Care). On a broader scale, it is similar to what county-based purchasing does in greater Minnesota. This bill is set for informational hearings in both the MN House and Senate this year.

In the Senate it is SF#1897 - (Author Sen. Erickson-Ropes)
In the House it is HF#2000 - (Author Rep. Tschumper)

The Universal Health Care bill directs that the HCAC (Health Care Access Commission) design a universal health care system for legislative approval. It would also expand the HCAC to include more perspectives. The bill is awaiting hearings in both the MN House and Senate.

In the Senate is it SF#102 - (Author Sen. Marty)
In the House it is HF#479 - (Author Rep. Walker)

7-County Legislative Updates

From the tower...

Legislative Update - Active Bills