Lois Wattman has served across the breadth of health care in Minnesota—notably, by helping design the pioneering Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP), which brought the benefits of managed care to Minnesotans who get their care through Medicaid. Her policy guidance has served Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Allina, Medica, the Minnesota Medical Association and the
state Senate. At this time of sweeping change for health care, Lois says, “health plans have an opportunity to influence policy from the standpoint of our fellow citizens. It’s not just advocacy organizations that can articulate the human effects of health policy—health plans can also advocate loudly about preserving the care their members need.”
More News Releases
2021
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Minnesota Council of Health Plans Statement on MNsure Special Enrollment Period
MNsure’s announcement today that it is offering a special enrollment period is a win for uninsured Minnesotans who can now select from products that have some of the lowest premiums in the nation thanks to the state’s reinsurance program. MNsure enrolled more than 9,400 uninsured Minnesotans in private coverage during the COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period in March and April of 2020, and we once again encourage Minnesotans to visit MNsure.org to enroll.
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Minnesota Health Plans Extend Cost-Sharing Waivers for COVID-19 Treatment
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced that Minnesota-based nonprofit health plans are voluntarily extending cost-sharing waivers for in-patient COVID-19 treatment through June 30, 2021.
2020
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Minnesota Health Plans Extend Coverage for Those Impacted by COVID-19
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced today that Minnesota-based nonprofit health plans are voluntarily extending cost-sharing waivers for in-patient COVID-19 treatment through March 31, 2021. The extension coincides with a number of other measures taken to help patients, providers and the community weather the pandemic.
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New Partnership Appeals to Minnesotans to Act Now to Control Spread of COVID-19
FightCovidMN, a groundbreaking partnership of the state’s hospitals and health systems, health plans and statewide associations, has launched a hard-hitting and disruptive campaign, “COVID-19 Isn’t Taking A Holiday,” to urgently motivate Minnesotans to mask up, keep their distance and do their part to fight the community spread of COVID-19. now.
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Lucas Nesse Joins Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Leadership Trust
Lucas Nesse, CEO of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, was chosen to participate in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Leadership Trust, an exclusive community for influential business leaders, executives and entrepreneurs in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Nesse was selected for membership by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Leadership Trust Selection Committee due to his experience, […]
More News Coverage
2020
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Lucas Nesse, CEO of the Council, Honored by Minnesota Physician
Nesse was named among the 100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders in Minnesota by Minnesota Physician. In the publication, Nesse describes the biggest challenges in health care delivery and how the Council is meeting those challenges.
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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.
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Pioneer Press
COVID-19 testing options abound, but most take too long
Ongoing worldwide constraints on testing supplies have many Minnesota providers requiring patients to be screened by a doctor or nurse before getting a coronavirus test. The state has provided free walk-in testing sites, though, in communities fighting outbreaks.
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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.