Kathy Lamp began her career working for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Over the course of her career, she helped shape health policy in Minnesota at the county level: she implemented PMAP in Anoka County, led policy for the Metropolitan Health Plan in Hennepin County, and participated in the Council from its origins. In the future, she says, “health insurers will be a voice for change, be more the leaders of change. If you start from the fact that people need care, everything else follows.”
More News Releases
2020
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Statement on the Death of George Floyd
"Minnesota's nonprofit health plans are deeply saddened by the death of George Floyd. The issues of racism and violence in our communities cannot be ignored, and we stand with Minnesotans in taking steps to ensure that the human rights of all people are protected. We also recognize that the health care needs of members may have shifted amid recent events, and health plans are here to support their members. Please contact your plan provider if you have questions or need guidance in accessing care or prescriptions."
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Minnesota Health Plans Announce Additional Support for People Affected by COVID-19
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced today that Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans are enhancing support for enrollees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by extending cost-sharing waivers for in-patient treatment.
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Statement on House passing Prior Authorization Legislation
“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.”
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Statement on Minnesota House Passing Drug Price Transparency Legislation
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 […]
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Minnesota Health Insurers Announce Plans for Coverage of COVID-19 Testing and Treatment
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced today that Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans are voluntarily waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 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 […]
More News Coverage
2020
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Star Tribune
Minnesota health plans say $220 million in income will help with COVID-19 costs
Minnesota’s nonprofit health insurers posted about $220 million in operating income last year, a figure that the carriers’ trade group said is down from 2018 but still shows financial stability with the likely onset of COVID-19 medical bills.
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Star Tribune
With COVID-19 hospitalizations rising in state, deal reached on treatment costs
Out-of-pocket treatment costs for some COVID-19 patients will be waived under an agreement announced Thursday with Minnesota’s nonprofit insurers, as the virus sends growing numbers to the hospital.
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Star Tribune
More Minnesota insurers pledge to waive copays for coronavirus testing
Minnesota health insurers are offering more details about how they will handle coverage related to coronavirus testing and treatment, including more pledges that out-of-pocket costs will be waived for diagnostic tests.
2019
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Star Tribune
Flight from health insurance market in Minnesota slows
The state’s individual health insurance market got even smaller last year, according to a new state report, but the annual rate of decline slowed significantly.
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Star Tribune Commentary
Minnesota’s reinsurance program should be renewed
It lowers premiums for people who buy their own insurance and requires no new money.