Watch today’s press conference here.

Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) joined his fellow Senate colleagues in unveiling several innovative ideas aimed at reducing health care costs, promising to cut through red tape, give consumers more and better choices, and strengthen the voice of the patient in health care. The proposals will also give consumers alternatives to expensive health insurance plans, cut out middlemen, and eliminate anti-competitive practices that have led to higher health care and prescription drug costs for consumers.

“Whether it be at a town hall or the local hockey game, I consistently hear from those in our community struggling to afford health care,” said Senator Draheim. “This is an issue that impacts everyone. These proposals put patients first by strengthening the patient-doctor relationship and lowering the cost of care through price transparency and cutting out the middlemen.”

Senator Draheim is the chief-author of legislation titled ‘Right to Shop’ that 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.

“Imagine how much competition there would be if patients could shop around for health care services and keep the money they saved,” added Senator Draheim. “It goes without saying, costs would go way down.”

Other proposals unveiled include direct primary care (DPC) and Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform. DPC is a flexible new way for doctors and patients to work together without the insurance middleman. It often includes unlimited office visits, faster scheduling, more time spent with your doctor, and low, flat rates.

Pharmacy Benefits Manager reform provides transparency and accountability for PBMs, which are middlemen many consumers don’t even realize exist between them, their doctor, and their pharmacy. Reforms include: 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.

In addition to these proposals, Senator Draheim is chief-authoring a bill to protect pre-existing condition coverage for health insurance.

“With pre-existing condition legislation, we want to eliminate any doubt that Minnesotans with pre-existing conditions are protected,” concluded Draheim.