‘Patients First’: Senator Housley calls for innovation in health care

This week, the Senate Republican majority announced a series of innovative ideas designed to reduce health care costs and cut through the red tape to give consumers better choices and more say in their own care. The proposals would also bring consumers reasonable alternatives to expensive health insurance plans, cut out the ‘middleman’, and eliminate anti-competitive practices that have led to higher health care and prescription drug costs for consumers.

“The high costs of health care services and the confusing web of insurance coverage have become significant barriers for many Minnesotans,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point). “In order to get to the crux of the problem, we need innovative solutions. These reforms would give flexibility to the patient, encourage the doctor-patient relationship, and leave absolutely no doubt that pre-existing conditions will be covered in Minnesota.”

The proposals include:

  • Direct Primary Care: Creates a flexible new way for doctors and patients to work together without the insurance middleman. Direct Primary Care often includes unlimited office visits, faster scheduling, more time spent with your doctor, and low, flat rates.
  • ‘Right to Shop’: Gives patients the right to shop around for the best value for their health care dollar, even if the doctor or clinic is out-of-network.
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Eliminates any doubt that Minnesotans with pre-existing conditions are protected.
  • Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform: Provides transparency and accountability for PBMs, which are middlemen many consumers don’t even realize exist between them, their doctor, and their pharmacy. The proposed reforms include the licensure of PBMs, disclosure of conflicts of interest, and a requirement to expand pharmacy networks so patients have access to local pharmacies no matter where they live in the state.

Senator Karin Housley, of St. Marys Point, represents the Forest Lake area and the St. Croix River Valley in the Minnesota Senate. Senator Housley serves as chairwoman of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee and is an assistant majority leader.