[Winona Online Democracy] Yesterday in a small article in the Winona Daily News was an announcement that the State of Minnesota Health Department will have a web site this fall "The site, will contain links to authoritative surveys to show who performs what procedures the most efficiently and for how much." The site is a response to the "commission headed by former U.S. Sen. Dave Durenberger aimed a improving the quality of health care while lowering cost." It is interesting that this article had little coverage by the media.
In a related media release effective August 1, 2004 Minnesota State Law requires providers to provide written estimates on the costs of healthcare services "when requested by patients". Last but not least both the Minneapolis and St. Paul papers reported a new law suit filed in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis by Attorney Robert Hopper of the Zimmerman Reed Law Firm against Allina Health System and Fairview Health Service for failing to extend discounts they currently offer to insurance companies to those least able to pay. Both Allina and Fairview are nonprofits. "Allina spokeswoman Kendra Calhoun said that the company is studying how it could provide discounts to uninsured patients." Uninsured, is not limited to those who can not afford insurance but is extended to those who elect to be self insured using Flexible Spending Accounts and/or Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangements. Finally consumers of healthcare are starting to receive information and common sense empowerment to enable "them" to "make better decision and ultimately restrain the growth in expenditures" Paul Double _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
