Senate bill (SF1), which would create a Minnesota-based health insurance exchange, began the long review process through the Capitol on Jan. 16. Its first stop - the Senate State and Local Government Committee.
On Jan. 17, Rep. Anne Lenczewski (DFL), the chair of the House Taxes Committee, introduced a tobacco tax bill (HF 91) that proposes increasing the tax on cigarettes by $1.60 per pack.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services late last week announced its plans for implementing the Affordable Care Act provision increasing Medicaid payment rates for specified services provided by primary care physicians for services delivered Jan. 1, 2013, through Dec. 31, 2014.
At its Jan. 12 meeting, the MMA's Board of Trustees approved the formation of a task force that will explore ways to increase Minnesota's primary care physician workforce.
The MMA will host a free seminar called "Financial Planning and Debt Strategies for Young Physicians" on Feb. 5 beginning at 6 p.m. at its Minneapolis office.
Marvin Segal (left), M.D., receives the MMA Foundation's Physician Communicator Award, as presented by TCMS President Edwin Bogonko, M.D., and MMA President Dan Maddox, M.D.
Two of the MMA's larger component medical societies - Zumbro Valley Medical Society and the Twin Cities Medical Society - recently held their annual meetings.
House Speaker Paul Thissen discusses health care issues at the legislature while Dave Thorson (left), M.D, Board chair, and Dan Maddox, M.D., MMA president, look on.
House Speaker Thissen Addresses MMA Board
Newly appointed Speaker of the House Paul Thissen (DFL) met with the MMA's Board of Trustees on Jan. 12 to discuss a variety of health care topics that he anticipates will be debated during this year's legislative session. He began by reminding the group that this year's legislature will be dealing with a $1.1 billion deficit and that Health and Human Services may see some budget cuts. He also briefly discussed the health insurance exchange, tax reform and Medicaid expansion. Board members asked him a variety of questions including the repeal of the provider tax, medical education funding and advanced practice registered nurses seeking more independent practice. Click here to see the MMA's legislative priorities for 2013.
Residents/chefs take on Thai food at the Cooks of Crocus Hill in St. Paul.
Residents Experience "Taste of Thailand"
Twenty-five residents, fellows and spouses attended a social event at the Cooks of Crocus Hill on Jan. 9 in St. Paul. Attendees had an opportunity to learn Thai cooking methods while preparing a five-course meal in teams. The event was sponsored by David Denniston, CFA, and Roger Anderson, CPA.
RFS Seeks Public Health Committee Representative
The Resident and Fellow Section (RFS) is looking for a representative for the MMA's Public Health Committee. This is a one-year commitment, beginning immediately. For more information, please contact Mandy Rubenstein at 612-362-3740.
