MN group recommends changes in health system

A Minnesota task force has recommended broad changes to the structure of the state's health system, including recommendations that would connect all major healthcare stakeholders, including doctors, hospitals, employers, patients, schools and policymakers. The planned changes are designed to cut $12.3 billion from healthcare costs in the state, which are expected to climb from $30 billion now to $57.4 billion by 2015.

Among the task force's recommendations are to allow doctors to set their own prices, but to stop negotiating discounts with insurers, which would set things up such that a patient would pay the same regardless of insurance plan. The task force has also recommended setting up methods for consumers to easily compare provider costs, including care "baskets" for services such as comprehensive maternity care.

To find out more about the state's health system recommendations:
- read this Minneapolis Star-Tribune piece

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