May 1 Forum to Examine Impact of the Federal Government’s Changes to Public Health and Medicaid
April 17, 2025
The MMA will host a virtual Physician Forum on “How will Federal Budget Cuts and Other Changes Impact Public Health and Medicaid in Minnesota?” on Thursday, May 1, from noon to 1 pm.
MDH Delays Layoffs in Wake of Federal District Court Ruling
April 17, 2025
On April 14, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that layoffs made public earlier this month would be delayed because of a temporary restraining order issued by a federal district court in Rhode Island.
2025 MMA Awards: Nominations Are Now Open
April 17, 2025
Members are encouraged to nominate their peers, medical students, residents/fellows, and advocacy champions for one of the MMA’s annual awards. Visit the MMA website to make a nomination by June 27.
Senate Passes Health Omnibus Bill, House Bill Stalled
April 10, 2025
On April 10, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed its omnibus budget and policy bill, which contains several healthcare initiatives of interest to Minnesota physicians and four of the MMA’s top legislative priorities.
State Cannabis Rules Approved Despite MMA’s Concerns
April 10, 2025
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced this week that an administrative law judge (ALJ) has approved draft rules governing Minnesota's adult-use cannabis market.
Minnesota Prior Authorizations Doubled Between 2022 and 2024
April 3, 2025
According to an MMA analysis of publicly posted Minnesota health plan data, the number of prior authorization (PA) requests in Minnesota has more than doubled over the past two years-- from 227,549 in 2022 to 460,243 in 2024.
MMA Priority Legislation on MA Reimbursement Rates Moves Through Another Committee
April 3, 2025
Legislation that would increase community mental health and outpatient Medical Assistance (MA) reimbursement rates to Medicare levels, per a 2024 recommendation from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), was heard April 1 in the Senate Taxes Committee.
Bill to Address Physician Well-being Heard in St. Paul
April 3, 2025
On April 1, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard a bill that would allocate state funds to the Treat Yourself First campaign to raise awareness about healthcare worker burnout and reduce stigma surrounding physicians getting mental health treatment.
Legislative Leaders Agree to Budget Targets
April 3, 2025
Legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle announced an agreement on budget targets for the 2026-27 biennium. The targets inform committee chairs how much they are to cut or add to spending when drafting their final budget bills.
MDH Announces Layoffs and Reduced Public Health Services
April 3, 2025
The recently terminated federal grants by the Trump administration could affect hundreds of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) employees, as well as public health services for Minnesotans.