Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

September 25, 2017

MHA Newsline: Sept. 25, 2017

In this issue 

MHA celebrates 100 years of care

For 100 years, MHA has supported hospitals and health systems as they serve their communities and improve the health of their patients. Join us in recognizing the members of MHA by watching this special video to learn more about how MHA partners with hospitals and health systems statewide to advance our shared goal of keeping communities healthy, now and in the future. return to top   

MHA does not support the Graham-Cassidy bill

MHA released the following statement to media on Friday:    

MHA has long advocated for health care coverage for all Minnesotans. On behalf of our 142 hospitals and health systems, MHA places a priority on preserving health care coverage for low-income Minnesotans. In addition, we want Minnesotans to have meaningful insurance coverage for all essential health care services.   

The Graham-Cassidy bill, an effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), would eliminate the ACA’s individual and employer mandates, turn the Medicaid program into a per-capita cap program rather than an individual-based support program, cut the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program, make it more difficult for providers to enroll individuals in need in public assistance programs and authorize insurance companies to sell catastrophic insurance plans that may not cover preventive and routine health care services.   

The bill would reduce the number of Minnesotans who have insurance and would financially penalize Minnesota for its effort to reduce the rate of uninsured individuals and to provide comprehensive health benefits in public programs. Independent analyses of the bill estimate Minnesota would lose billions of dollars per year in federal funding under this proposal.   

The Graham-Cassidy bill would harm our state and its residents. MHA does not support the bill. We remain committed to assisting policymakers in discussing health care legislation that will preserve meaningful health care coverage for Minnesotans.   

On Saturday, a number of MHA members participated in a conference call with Sen. Amy Klobuchar to share their concerns about the impact of the Graham-Cassidy bill on their communities and their health systems. Thanks to Rachelle Schultz, Winona Health Services; Mike Delfs, Mercy Hospital; Rick Ash, United Hospital District; Mary Klimp; Mayo Clinic Health System; Deb Boardman, Fairview Range Medical Center; and Chuck Hofius, Perham Health. return to top   

Lawrence Massa honored with MHA Bruce and Denise Rueben Courage Award

MHA on June 2 honored innovative programs and outstanding leaders in health care at its 33rd annual awards ceremony.   

Lawrence J. Massa, president and CEO of MHA, received the Bruce and Denise Rueben Courage Award, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates leadership and courage in the development of ground-breaking activities to increase patient safety, has proactively led efforts to increase transparency and openness in sharing health care information and has shown exceptional attention to issues that focus on improving patient care through advocacy and compassion.   

Massa became president and CEO of MHA in October 2008, continuing a 25-year career as a prominent hospital and health care leader in the Upper Midwest. Before becoming president, he was an instrumental leader at MHA, serving as chair of the Board of Directors, the Policy and Advocacy Committee and the Political Action Committee.   

Massa’s leadership on the MHA board was critical in 2000 when MHA founded the Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety and in 2003 became the first state in the nation to pass an adverse health event reporting law. He also provided leadership through implementing MHA's successful call-to-action framework with innovative tools and road maps that are used in areas such as falls prevention, pressure ulcer management and medication safety.   

Over the span of his career, Massa has successfully led local, state and national initiatives to improve quality and patient safety. Under his leadership, MHA has earned a national reputation and recognition from peers at other state hospital associations and at the American Hospital Association for improvements in quality and patient safety.   

To learn more about the award winners, visit the MHA websitereturn to top   

Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy addresses hospital leaders on mental health at MHA Annual Meeting

Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, the son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, was a keynote speaker at the MHA Annual Meeting. Kennedy shared his own experience of addiction and bipolar disorder. He decried the lack of investment in mental health services and opioid prevention and treatment by Congress. He urged health care leaders to rally for a greater response. Kennedy also shared his efforts to pass a federal law that would provide for parity in health coverage for mental health. He criticized insurers for not covering mental health as they cover any other disease. return to top   

Hospitals, health systems, MHA participate in NAMIWalks Minnesota

MHA member hospitals and health systems on Sept. 23 sponsored and participated in the 11th annual NAMIWalks Minnesota, a 5K walking event designed to raise awareness about mental illnesses and reduce stigma. MHA and LeadingAge MN also sponsored a walking team. Over 4,000 participants came together in Minnehaha Park to walk together and celebrate NAMI Minnesota’s work improving the lives of people living with mental illnesses and their families.   

The following MHA members and associate members sponsored NAMIWalks Minnesota: 

  • Allina Health 
  • CentraCare Health, St. Cloud Hospital 
  • HealthEast Care System 
  • HealthPartners/Regions Hospital/Park Nicollet/Melrose Center 
  • Hennepin County Medical Center 
  • Minnesota Hospital Association 
  • North Memorial Health 
  • PrairieCare 

To learn more about NAMIWalks Minnesota and make a donation, visit the NAMIWalks websitereturn to top

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