Statement from the Minnesota Hospital Association:

The Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) is pleased that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBS) has decided to delay implementation of its payment model changes that were scheduled to begin May 1. A delay provides a window of opportunity for BCBS and hospitals to work through the issues before attempting to implement payment changes that could have jeopardized access to care in some communities. MHA appreciates that BCBS has heard the concerns of our members and that it is willing to respond to those concerns.

BCBS has assured MHA that it will engage hospitals on a one-on-one basis to work through the transition to the new payment model. MHA and BCBS both recognize the need to move our health care system away from volume-driven, fee-for-service payments and toward payment methodologies that emphasize the value of care patients receive and reward providers for delivering the high quality care as efficiently as possible. MHA is hopeful that additional time and more open communications with hospitals will result in mutually agreed upon, fair and sustainable solutions that protect residents’ access to high quality care in their communities.

Finally, MHA appreciates the leadership of Governor Mark Dayton who took quick action to make this issue a priority after listening to hospitals' concerns during an April 19 MHA board of directors meeting. We also appreciate the engagement of Commissioner Ehlinger and Attorney General Lori Swanson, who both met individually with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota’s (BCBS) executives on Monday.