BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR MINNESOTA

We are deeply concerned about health care in our state.  Health care costs too much for too many.  Quality and access are inconsistent.  Urgent change is needed.  We are committed to change and believe that the following principles should guide future reform efforts:

1. Health Care Should Be Affordable

• Minnesota should set an expectation in law about how much a family can reasonably afford to spend on health care.  We should provide assistance to make sure all Minnesotans can get affordable health care.

 

2. Health Care Should Be High Quality

• All Minnesotans should get the best care there is to keep them healthy and understand that the best care is not always the most expensive care.

 

3. Health Care Should Be Accessible

• Doctors and nurses should readily available in all parts of the state and to all Minnesotans regardless of disability, race or socio-economic status.

 

4. Health Care Should Be Efficient 

• Health care providers, insurance companies and the government should eliminate waste and avoid unnecessary or duplicative activities.

 

5. Health Care Should Be Focused on the Patient

• Health care systems should be reformed so that doctors and nurses are free to treat the patient and not fulfill quotas.

We urge policy-makers, health care providers, insurers, businesses, labor unions and consumers to unite around common sense health care reform that meets these principles.