January 19, 2023
Legislation that would require Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare to reimburse for the provision of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) upon request immediately following a delivery had its first hearing in the Minnesota House of Representatives this week.
HF 210 (Bahner, DFL – Maple Grove), which was heard in the House Health Finance and Policy Committee this week, would also make it clear that the placement and removal of LARCs shall not require a co-payment or deductible.
In a letter of support, the MMA noted that “LARC is a safe and highly effective for decreasing unintended pregnancy. The use of LARC in the immediate postpartum setting has the potential to provide cost savings and decrease the incidence of adverse maternal and child health outcomes.”
Siri Fiebiger MD, MPH, FACOG, and Alex Vosooney MD, also offered support for the bill. “LARCs are highly effective and have a high level of patient satisfaction,” Vosooney said. “Without this bill, patients must go home and return at a later date if they choose to have a LARC inserted. This requirement is not based on what is best for the patient.”
The bill attempts to ensure access to contraception in the postpartum period to reduce unintended pregnancy, improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes, and reduce costs.
The bill was laid over for later inclusion in an omnibus health budget bill.
July 10, 2025
With the passage of President Trump’s budget bill, many in healthcare are wondering how it will affect the practice of medicine in the United States, and how it will impact the health of Minnesotans.
July 10, 2025
With an overwhelming 90% vote of support, Allina Health physicians, physicians’ assistants, and nurse practitioners voted to authorize a strike if the members of the Doctors Council – SEIU and Allina cannot reach a deal.
July 10, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Equitable Health Care Task Force is seeking public comment on its draft recommendations for improving health equity across the state.