Governor Pawlenty Needs a Better Health Care Agenda

We are disappointed in the Governor's health care agenda. The Governor's legislative initiatives focus on health care cost containment through financial penalties, intrusive monitoring of patients and their doctors, and plans to computerize medical records and make them available online.

Excellence of Care Comes Through

Brase points out that there is insufficient evidence in the 80-page report to prove that the 12 reported deaths were fully the fault of the hospital, or that they were actually preventable. In addition, it's unclear how serious the "serious disabilities" really are. The disability must be present more than 7 days and/or at the time of discharge, to be classified "serious."

Congress To Gut State Medical Privacy Laws?

Congress has latched onto legislation to create a national health information system: the Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2005 (HR 4157). However, Citizens' Council on Health Care (CCHC) says the legislation-and the plan-is not the good idea it's portrayed to be.

Pro-Privacy View Excluded from Today's e-Health Privacy Discussion at MN Health Department

This afternoon, the Minnesota e-Health Initiative Advisory Committee will meet to hear presentations on privacy and security issues surrounding health information technology, and the development of a statewide health information system. A committee discussion will follow. No pro-privacy groups or privacy advocates will be presenting.

CCHC ASKS: "Where's the Beef in Legislative Hearings on Health Care Solutions?"

"Why is there no plan to discuss minimizing third-party payment in health care? Nothing in the committee's agenda even hints at focusing on real health care solutions," said Twila Brase, president of CCHC. "Health care costs, particularly administrative costs, have escalated as a result of heavy third-party involvement in the financing of health care," she said, referring to government, health plans, and employers.

Merry Christmas...and Here's Your Lump of Coal! - U.S. Agency Sends Dire Warning

Responding to yesterday's dire warnings about federal spending, Citizens' Council on Health Care (CCHC) says Congress should begin now to take actions that will give the American people a better Christmas gift in 2006.

MN Legislators Put Bureaucrats at Bedside

Minnesota legislators have just passed legislation that will put government in the exam room, and bureaucrats at the bedside. Without the consent of patients or doctors, government officials will begin using private medical record data to monitor medical treatment decisions and create government report cards on health care provider compliance with government treatment directives.

Young People Face High Health Insurance Rates in Minneapolis

With 65 million people enrolled, UnitedHealth Group will control access to health care for approximately one-quarter of the American public. As a result, we expect UnitedHealth Group-and its highly paid executives-to increasingly control the look and feel of health care across the nation.

Young People Face High Health Insurance Rates in Minneapolis

According to a new report from eHealthInsurance, Minneapolis isn't the best choice if a young person is looking for a large city that offers affordable health insurance, says Citizens' Council on Health Care (CCHC).

MN Senate Proposal Needs a Little "Truth in Advertising"

After attending much of two press conferences held today at the Minnesota State Capitol, Citizens' Council on Health Care (CCHC) finds it necessary to bring some "truth in advertising" to the Senate health care proposal, said Twila Brase, president of CCHC.