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 website. return 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 website. return 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 website. return to top