To understand how the pandemic has affected mental health, Blue Cross of Minnesota had a conversation with Dr. Steven Sehr, senior medical director for behavioral health at Blue Cross, and Dr. Ryan Van Wyk, specialty lead for the North Memorial Mental Health Services Center.

Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans have long valued diversity, equity and inclusion, and in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death, they have made robust pledges to further advance racial justice within their organizations and in our communities.

Now that we are able to enjoy more flexibility, we also must remember that we’re living in a new era when it comes to work and personal safety. As we return to the office, attend small family gatherings and maybe visit some lakes, pools, restaurants and malls, we need to be even more sensitive to the risks involved.

The state legislature recently passed the ground-breaking Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency Act, mandating that drug companies must now notify Minnesota consumers when they institute significant price hikes for certain prescription drugs. The law creates “news you can use” for medications.

Don’t drink and drive, wear your seat belt and put on your sunscreen are being joined by wash your hands, wear your mask and stay 6 feet away from others as universal messages this summer from health care professionals. Please join us in doing your part to protect others and stop the spread of COVID-19 as the weather warms up.

“Prior authorization is a critical tool for ensuring safe, effective and efficient treatment for patients. Individuals and employers greatly benefit from the associated cost savings and lower premiums. Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans are proud to have played a key role in refining this legislation to ensure that important elements supporting patient safety and lower costs were maintained.”

One silver lining of this unprecedented crisis is that it is also bringing people together in ways big and small. If we needed any more evidence that our Council members support the overall well-being of their enrollees, then this situation is proving it.

Lucas Nesse, president and CEO of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, issues statement on Minnesota House Passing Drug Price Transparency Legislation

Statement:

 “Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans are proud to have played a key role in advancing this bipartisan legislation. Prescription drugs are a major driver of premiums and now account for nearly a quarter of health care expenses – even exceeding in-patient hospitalization costs. Greater transparency of these expenses will help advance affordable drug pricing for all Minnesotans and lead to useful data to better inform policymakers.”