Several MMA Priorities Contained in House Omnibus Bills
March 30, 2023
On March 27, the House Health Finance and Policy Committee released its omnibus bill, which contains several MMA priorities, including a two-year extension for audio-only telehealth coverage, Medical Assistance coverage for recuperative care services, and the creation of a statewide database for provider orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) forms.
Recuperative Care Bill Receives Senate Hearing
March 23, 2023
An MMA priority bill to offer Medical Assistance (MA) coverage for recuperative care services for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness who need a place to recover following a hospitalization was heard this week by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Firearm Safety Legislation Heard in Senate Committee
March 23, 2023
Two firearm safety bills were passed by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on March 23.
Legal Protections for Abortion Providers and Patients Passes House Floor
March 23, 2023
A bill that offers legal protection to patients who travel to Minnesota for an abortion and for the healthcare providers who treat them, passed the Minnesota House of Representatives, 68-62, on March 20.
Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare to Resume Eligibility Reviews of Enrollees; Tools Available to Help Patients Renew Coverage
March 23, 2023
After a three-year pause during the COVID-19 public health emergency, Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare will resume annual eligibility reviews of their enrollees (i.e., renewals). Renewals will begin as early as July for MA enrollees and October for MinnesotaCare enrollees.
March 29 Physician Forum at New Time this Month to Cover Diversity in Clinical Trials
March 23, 2023
The next MMA online Physician Forum will discuss “Diversity in Clinical Trials” from 1 to 2 pm on Wednesday, March 29.
AMA Shows Support for Legislation to Address Physician Shortage in Rural and Underserved Areas
March 16, 2023
On March 14, the AMA sent a letter to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), expressing its support for S. 665, the “Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act,” legislation that would help address the shortage of physicians (notably in rural and underserved areas) and would play a role in promoting a more diverse physician workforce.
MMA, Others Urge Congress to Pass Legislation to Fix Medicare Physician Payments
March 16, 2023
The MMA, AMA and 133 other health organizations – representing 900,000 physicians and tens of millions of Medicare patients – wrote congressional leaders on March 15, telling them that a full inflation-based update is “the principal legislative solution to the ongoing problems plaguing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.”
Project ECHO Summit Shines Light on Transition Care
March 16, 2023
More than 70 advocates gathered in person and online on March 13 for a day-long summit created to improve the transition from pediatric to adult care for youth with medical complexity.
Legislation to Ban Non-compete Clauses Moving at Capitol
March 16, 2023
Companion bills prohibiting employers’ use of non-compete clauses in employment contracts are moving through both the House and Senate, with the latest Senate version passing the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on March 15.