State’s New Naloxone Digital Map Off to Fast Start
February 24, 2022
The Minnesota Department of Health’s new online tool that allows Minnesotans to find naloxone more easily has had nearly 5,000 visitors since it quietly launched in December.
New Report Shows Pandemic Led to Skyrocketing Telehealth Use
February 24, 2022
A new study released by BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota shows that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual care claims increased dramatically from 2019 into 2020, with a year-over-year change of more than 3,700 percent.
Federal Judge Rules in Doctors’ Favor in No Surprises Act
February 24, 2022
On February 23, a federal judge ruled in favor of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) in striking down portions of the regulations that implement the Biden administration’s No Surprises Act (NSA). This is a significant victory for physicians and physician groups nationwide who expressed concern over the skewed advantage that the regulations gave to insurers.
MN Association of County Health Plans Sues Minnesota DHS
February 24, 2022
The Minnesota Association of County Health Plans (MACHP) filed a lawsuit on February 17 against the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) for its 2022 Minnesota Health Care Program Procurement plan.
Loan Forgiveness Bills for Healthcare Workers Advance
February 24, 2022
The House Health Finance & Policy Committee heard several bills recently focused on increasing spending for the state’s loan forgiveness programs for healthcare workers who practice in underserved areas.
Tobacco Cessation Bill Passes Through House Committee
February 24, 2022
A bill that addresses tobacco-related health disparities and supports Minnesotans who want to quit tobacco passed out of the House Preventive Health Policy Division on February 23. The MMA has been a long-time advocate for tobacco cessation legislation.
Senate Committee Hears Bill Allowing MN to Join Interstate Nurse Compact
February 24, 2022
On February 21, the Senate Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee heard testimony on SF2302 (Sen. Carla Nelson-R, Rochester), a bill that would allow registered nurses (RNs) or practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs) to join an interstate nurse license compact.
House Passes Frontline Worker Bonus Bill
February 24, 2022
On February 24, the House of Representatives passed HF 2900, which allocates $1.052 billion for payments to eligible frontline workers whose jobs put them at risk of contracting COVID-19 during the peacetime emergency.
MMA Leadership Meet with Congressional Delegation Members
February 17, 2022
Three members of the MMA Board of Trustees and MMA staff met virtually this week with members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation to discuss telehealth coverage, prior authorization hassles, and the need for stable Medicare physician payments.
MMA Joins Others to Urge CMS to Correct Federal Funding Formula for MinnesotaCare
February 17, 2022
On February 14, the MMA joined the Minnesota Hospital Association, the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and the Minnesota Business Partnership to again urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to correct how CMS calculates federal contributions to MinnesotaCare, the state’s basic health program (BHP). Based on the flawed formula CMS has used, federal funding for MinnesotaCare is lower than it should be.
More Publications
