MN officials focus on chronic disease care

Increasingly, states are beginning to focus on management of chronic diseases as a means for getting massive healthcare costs under control. This week, Minnesota is joining the pack. Legislators currently are developing a proposal designed to improve the management of care for people with heart disease, diabetes and other costly chronic illnesses. In the future, legislators expect to file bills shifting healthcare spending from specialty care to primary care.

These ideas have popular support. Just this week, a group of former legislators, a retired football star and representatives from business, labor and medical interests gathered together to hold a press conference and urge politicians to keep their focus on chronic disease.

To learn more about Minnesota's plans:
- read this Minneapolis Star-Tribune article