Getting care
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans has worked for more than 30 years to improve care for everyone. We work with local health insurance companies that serve communities, not Wall Street shareholders, to make sure Minnesotans get the care they need, today and in the future.
Minnesota Health Plans Waiving Cost-Sharing for COVID-19 Testing and Treatment
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced that Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans are voluntarily waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and in-patient treatment for enrollees as part of a framework to support and protect the health of Minnesotans amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The health and safety of Minnesotans are the highest priorities of the nonprofit plans we represent,” said Lucas Nesse, president and CEO of the Council. “Uniform access to appropriate and affordable treatment is critical to controlling the scope of the pandemic, particularly for those with underlying medical conditions.”
Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans that have committed to this framework:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield/Blue Plus of Minnesota
- HealthPartners
- Hennepin Health
- Medica
- PreferredOne
- UCare
For more information and to review the latest guidance from our state and federal officials, please visit:
Minnesota Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
News
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Minnesota Council of Health Plans Statement on 2021 Health Insurance Rates
Minnesota Department of Commerce’s announcement today on 2021 insurance rates is promising news, as it reflects the increasing stability in the individual and small group health plans in our state. Minnesota’s reinsurance program continues to play a major role in bringing that stabilization to the market, significantly lowering premiums by covering a portion of high-cost […]
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Minnesota Health Plans Extend Support for Those Impacted by COVID-19
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced today that Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans are voluntarily extending cost-sharing waivers for in-patient COVID-19 treatment through the end of the year. The extension coincides with a number of other steps that have been taken to help patients, providers and the community weather the pandemic. “Minnesota’s nonprofit health […]
News Coverage
2020
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KSTP
Minnesota health plans extend cost-sharing waivers for COVID-19 through end of 2020
Minnesota health plans on Thursday announced that they've extended cost-sharing waivers for in-patient COVID-19 treatment through the end of the year. The waivers were initially in place until the end of September.
Our Blog
Honoring World Mental Health Day
The Council is sharing the mental health work being done by Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans and some of the free online resources that are available for those who need it. Our local health plan members care deeply about the health, safety and wellness of Minnesotans and in recent months, they’ve ramped up efforts even more to meet Minnesotans’ mental health needs.
What to Do If You Lose Job-based Health Insurance Coverage
It is important to know your options if you lose your employer-sponsored health insurance due to a job loss. Depending on your health, age and financial situation, you may qualify for low or no-cost health insurance coverage or for subsidies that will help lower what you pay for coverage if you are buying insurance on your own.
Is This the Most Important Flu Shot Ever?
As flu season rapidly approaches, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how and when to receive this year’s influenza vaccine. This year more than any other, the flu shot is essential to keep you, your children, your neighbors and our entire health care system healthy. Learn the basics about the flu and the vaccine that can offer you protection from it.
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Lost your insurance card? No problem. Want to find out how much you’ll pay or compare prices for care you need? Can you get care online? Wondering how the quality of the care you get is measured?
It’s all here.
Get Insurance
Insurance helps you pay medical bills, everything from the entire bill for preventive care that helps keep you well to helping pay for prescriptions and care when you need it. Insurance companies also do a lot of work behind the scenes to help you be well and ensure you get good care.
Understand Insurance
We all need care—not only medical care when we’re sick or injured—but also preventive care to keep us well. Health insurance is how we join together to pay for care because it’s too expensive to pay for on our own.
The Facts About Prescription Drugs
Even if you don’t need prescription drugs you’re paying for them in your premiums each month. And those have become more and more expensive. Why and what can we do about it? You’ll find more information here.
Diabetes medication has been unaffordable for many – and we are working to change that
The price of insulin — a lifesaving drug — has increased more 240 percent over the past decade. That means prices have jumped from $90 to often more than $300 a vial. Given the ongoing concerns around insulin, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act in the spring of 2020 with broad bipartisan support, and Gov. Walz signed the legislation on April 15. The act gives emergency access to diabetics and mandates that manufacturers provide longer-term assistance to patients who meet certain qualifications. The Council testified about the rising costs of insulin multiple times and played a key role in getting this legislation passed.
