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Revised Prior Authorization Legislation Continues in Senate
Although the road has not been smooth, the MMA's bill on reforming medication prior authorization is still alive in the Senate. It passed the Senate floor on April 3 as part of the body's Health and Human Services budget bill. Read more here. 
Reinsurance Bill Becomes Law without Governor's Signature
By allowing a bill to become law without his signature, Gov. Mark Dayton tacitly approved a reinsurance measure to provide state health insurance companies with $542 million over the next two years to help them cover the costs of large medical expenses. Read more here.
Future of Health Care Reform to Be Examined at April 25 Forum
Although the American Health Care Act stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives in March, work continues on efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act in one form or another. Read more here. Read more here. 
Legislators Break for Easter/Passover
Starting next week, the Legislature will be taking a one-week Easter/Passover break and legislators will be back in their home districts. This will be a great time to reach out and meet with your legislators. Many will be holding town hall meetings that you should attend. It's a chance to invite them to your clinic to meet with you, or just join them for coffee. This week can be great for grassroots contacts to share your thoughts. 
Report Indicates Persistent Disparities for Patients with Public Health Insurance
Patients enrolled in state public programs are receiving treatments less frequently than Minnesotans who have private or employer-based health insurance, according to a new report from MN Community Measurement and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Read more here. 
Health Plans Report Nearly $700 Million in Losses for 2016
On April 3, the Minnesota Council of Health Plans reported that the state's health insurers experienced $687 million in operating losses for 2016. Read more here.
New Opioid Lectures Now Available Online
Four more lectures in the Pain, Opioids and Addiction series are now available online. The free lectures include: "What is Addiction?;" "Drugs of Abuse from A to Z;" "Opioid Antagonists;" and "Communicating with Chronic Pain Patients." The series is a collaboration between the MMA, the Steve Rummler Hope Foundation, and the University of Minnesota Medical School. CME and MOC are available.
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