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.
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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 website. return 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 website. return to top