Medica is asking doctors to stop using the most common method to diagnose and assess the severity of kidney disease. The health plan says the current approach overestimates kidney function in people with African ancestry and leads to worse outcomes.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is teaming up with TurnSignl as part of a five-year strategy with the City of Brooklyn Center that aims to improve racial and health equity. The pilot program will provide up to 3,000 residents free access to the TurnSignl app.

HealthPartners has mobilized a grassroots movement to help close gaps in health care outcomes. More than 350 HealthPartners changemakers are educating colleagues and rooting out bias to ensure members and patients receive evidence-based care and exceptional service.

The 15-plus member group is focusing on COVID response, but also screens for medical issues, mental health and substance use disorders or other social needs that may be adversely affected by the pandemic. The team also provides education and support for COVID-19 prevention, testing and vaccination.

Sanford uses Health Guides and Health Navigators to identify member challenges and develop solutions to connect them to the resources they need. They help with financial and prescription assistance, identify barriers and help members build relationships with care teams.

The Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Tim Walz recently took decisive action to pass an extension of the reinsurance program before the April 1 deadline. The impact of the program varies, but in real dollars, Minnesotans in the individual market will be paying between $500 and $4,600 less than they otherwise would pay without reinsurance.