Health Care Groups Speak Out on HHS Cuts

The MMA has joined more than 50 other Minnesota health care-oriented organizations asking House and Senate leaders to reconsider their proposed HHS targets that cut $150 million from "needed services for our most sick and vulnerable residents." These cuts would come on top of the more than $2 billion that has been slashed in HHS spending since 2009.

Forums on Prescription Opioid Misuse Planned for May

The MMA will host three policy forums on prescription opioid abuse, addiction and diversion during the month of May in three Minnesota cities.  

MMA Receives Grant from ABIM Foundation

The MMA, along with 20 other organizations across the country, has been awarded a grant to help promote the ABIM Foundation's Choosing Wisely program.

Physicians Should Confirm Eligibility for Medicaid Increase by April 1

The MMA is urging primary care physicians to complete their attestation of eligibility by April 1 for the enhanced Medicaid reimbursement.

Four MMA Members Finalists for Family Physician Award 

Congratulations to Carolyn Becker, M.D., of Mapleton, Steven Ferguson, M.D., of Alexandria, Donald Hughes, M.D., of Aitken and Steven Long, M.D., of Duluth for being named finalists for the MAFP's 2013 Minnesota Family Physician of the Year. All four finalists are MMA members. The winner will be chosen as part of the MAFP Spring Refresher conference April 18-19 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is Two Weeks Away

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), which encourages advanced planning conversations, is April 16. Studies indicate that despite recent gains in public awareness of the need for advance care planning most Americans have not exercised their right to make decisions about their healthcare in the event that they cannot speak for themselves. For a list of Minnesota NHDD activities, visit the  Honoring Choices Minnesota website.

 

Dave Renner, MMA's director of state and federal legislation,  discusses the legislative session at mid-point, what bills are moving forward, which aren't and what we can expect in budget talks.

Diversion detective

As he takes on the issue of drug diversion, Mayo Clinic's Keith Berge is questioning whether the consequences are tough enough.