Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

October 23, 2017

MHA Newsline: Oct. 23, 2017

In this issue 

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Oct. 28

The 14th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will take place Oct. 28. Visit the DEA website to locate the nearest collection site.   

On the most recent take-back day on April 29, Minnesota collected 18,508 pounds of prescription medication at 115 participating sites.   

Unused medicines that remain in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Learn more about the importance of appropriate prescription medication disposal on the Minnesota’s Hospitals: Strengthening Healthy Communities websitereturn to top  

Regional Health Equity Council seeking nominations

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking nominations for the Regional Health Equity Council (RHEC) in Region V, which includes Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio. The deadline to submit nominations is Nov. 10. The application is available online.   

The RHEC is seeking nominations for individuals who have expertise and experience as health professionals, such as community health workers, public health and allied health professionals, and within health care systems and medical associations, among other areas.   

The mission of RHEC Region V is to increase health equity through the elimination of health disparities and address the social determinants of health by influencing partners, leaders and stakeholders committed to sustainable action for systems and policy changes within the Great Lakes region. To learn more, visit the RHEC Region V websitereturn to top   

2018 MNsure plan comparisons now available

MNsure’s online plan comparison tool now features updated 2018 plan information to help Minnesotans shop and compare plans in advance of open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 14, 2018. 

The tools allow users to quickly compare plan options and learn about their health insurance costs and financial assistance. It also estimates whether a consumer is eligible for tax credits to offset premium costs. Individuals earning up to $48,240 annually, or a family of four earning up to $98,400 per year, qualify for a tax credit. Approximately 65 percent of current enrollees are receiving tax credits. Learn more about income-level guidelines online.   

Starting Oct. 31, the online plan comparison tool will introduce two new functions: a drug formulary lookup and quality rating system. The drug formulary lookup will allow consumers to compare different plans in the context of their current or expected prescription drug needs, while the quality rating system will display star ratings for each plan based on consumer satisfaction surveys.   

Ninety-six percent of Minnesotans have health coverage – the highest percentage in state history. In plan year 2017, more than 500,000 Minnesotans found health coverage through MNsure. Minnesotans eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can enroll year-round. To learn more, visit the MNsure websitereturn to top

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