MINNEAPOLIS, June 25, 2008—Interested in real health care reform?  Consider serving on the new Health Care Reform Review Council, which will monitor overall progress and implementation of the major provisions of the 2008 health care legislation. 

The MMA was given legislative authority to appoint two members to the 14-member Council.  If you would like to serve, let the MMA know by July 3.

The Health Care Reform Review Council, which is being convened by the Minnesota Department of Health will monitor these major provisions of the legislation:

• health care homes/care coordination payments
• quality incentive payments
• pricing for baskets of care
• development of an essential benefit set, and
• payment reform that includes provider peer grouping based on health care costs and quality

Separate work groups may be formed to develop the detailed recommendations associated with some of the provisions of the Legislation. The Health Care Reform Review Council, which is being convened by the Minnesota Department of Health, will monitor overall progress and implementation of all of the reform provisions.

The Council is expected to meet quarterly, for half-day meetings, with the first meeting likely to occur later this summer.

MMA members interested in serving should be familiar with the health care reform legislation, knowledgeable about MMA health care reform policy positions, able to attend Council meetings, and capable of representing MMA policy and the interests of Minnesota physicians.

Interested candidates are asked to submit their name and a statement of interest/expertise by July 3, 2008 to Janet Silversmith, MMA Director of Health Policy, at JSilversmith@mnmed.org.

Candidates will be evaluated and selected in consultation with MMA elected leadership.