Health Care Reform
President Barack Obama signed the sweeping federal health care overhaul into law on March 23, 2010, but the debate over it is as fierce as ever. Congress designed this framework for revamping the nation's health care system to phase in over the next decade. Over that time, it's expected to expand health insurance coverage to more than 30 million additional Americans; help consumers better understand and compare health insurance policies; require insurers to cover pre-existing conditions; require insurers to spend at least 80 percent of their premium dollars on health care; and help fill a gap in prescription drug coverage for seniors.
The law has drawn fire from critics who argue it does little to control the soaring costs of health care. They also contend that the law is unconstitutional because it requires all Americans to purchase health care insurance. It's likely the U.S. Supreme Court will settle that legal question.
Meanwhile, public attitudes about the law remain divided as well. Depending on the poll, Americans are split or a majority favors its repeal.
Writer: Elizabeth Stawicki
- Allina name change reflects focus on patients' health
Allina Hospitals and Clinics, one of Minnesota's major medical systems, is changing its name to Allina Health, to emphasize overall patient health rather than just treating illnesses.February 8, 2012 - GOP senator knocks Dayton over federal health funds
A leading GOP state senator who opposes the federal health care overhaul is accusing the Dayton administration of misusing federal tax dollars to hire staff to build a state insurance exchange.February 3, 2012 
DFLer to introduce state health insurance exchange bill
A DFL state lawmaker from Inver Grove Heights says he'll introduce legislation to establish one of the central parts of the federal health care law: a state insurance exchange.January 30, 2012- Obama's health overhaul lags in many states
Here's a reality check for President Barack Obama's health overhaul: Three out of four uninsured Americans live in states that have yet to figure out how to deliver on its promise of affordable medical care.January 23, 2012 - Health plans launch own exchanges ahead of public versions
Commercial health insurers are scrambling for position as a key part of the federal health law threatens to upend their marketplace in two years.January 23, 2012 - DFLers petition US Supreme Court to uphold health care law
More than 50 DFL lawmakers have signed on to an advisory brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the federal health care law.January 12, 2012 - MCCL puts pressure on lawmakers over health exchanges
A prominent anti-abortion group is stepping up pressure on legislators to get more involved in planning a Minnesota health insurance exchange.December 21, 2011 - Early retiree health care program almost out of cash
A program subsidizing the health care costs of early retirees will run out of money two years early.December 12, 2011 - Minn. health care ratings group plans to examine newly available Medicare data
Minnesota Community Measurement President Jim Chase spoke with MPR's Morning Edition about new Medicare information being made available by the health care reform law.December 7, 2011 - Minnesotans can test drive health care exchanges starting Monday
Minnesotans will be able to test drive the state's future health insurance marketplace when several prototypes of insurance exchanges are made available online Monday for public review.December 5, 2011 - Economist predicts big impact in Minn. from health care reform law
A health care economist from MIT told members of a governor's task force Thursday that the federal health care law will give insurance coverage to 300,000 more Minnesotans, and reduce the health insurance racial disparities in Minnesota.November 17, 2011 - Health care law to fund 'innovation' jobs program
The Obama administration is tapping the health care overhaul law to advance its economic agenda, a political priority for the White House.November 14, 2011 - Supreme Court will hear health care case this term
When the court hears the case this coming March, it could shake the political landscape as voters are deciding if Obama deserves another term.November 14, 2011 - GOP lawmakers in tough spot on health care exchange idea
State Republican lawmakers are trying to determine their best stance towards the state-based insurance exchanges mandated as part of the health care overhaul.November 4, 2011 - Rep. Gottwalt: Regardless of health reform law, more improvements needed
A Republican state lawmaker says Minnesota needs to continue improving its health care system whether or not the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the federal health care overhaul or Congress repeals it.October 28, 2011
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