Pawlenty proposes changes in state health care system
Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he wants to allow Minnesotans to buy health insurance plans sold in other states.
Pawlenty unveiled a package of proposed health care reforms today that he'll push during the 2010 Legislative session. The Republican governor says opening the borders to providers would make coverage more affordable. Pawlenty says currently three entities control 80 percent of the market in Minnesota.
"That is not enough competition to be robust, to offer enough challenge to entities and to the marketplace to give them enough incentive to I think provide a better product, to provide more cost savings," Pawlenty said.
Pawlenty is also proposing that state-subsidized health care programs reward enrollees for using providers that are ranked for high quality and low cost. He also wants MinnesotaCare participants paying higher deductibles and using electronic benefits cards.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.