State review finds HMO finances are 'generally sound' but report raises questions A state review finds Minnesota HMOs providing services to public programs such as Medicaid and MinnesotaCare have generally sound financial practices. But the report did raise concerns about the plans' charitable donations and other uses of public dollars.December 7, 2012
Lawsuit: Minn. erred in paying for abortions A recent lawsuit says the Minnesota state government wrongly paid for thousands of abortions for low income women.November 28, 2012
Report: health law a good deal for states A new report says states can receive more than $9 in federal money for every dollar they spend to cover low-income residents under President Barack Obama's health care law.November 26, 2012
Minn. tax hike not a sure thing, even as DFL takes reins A major overhaul of state tax policy could be in the works when the newly elected DFL Legislature arrives at the Capitol. Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to launch the discussion in January when he unveils his plan for making the tax system fairer and simpler. But a tax increase on top earners could be a tough sell, even with Democrats in control of the House and Senate.November 26, 2012
Obama's health care overhaul turns into a sprint The long slog has turned into a sprint. President Barack Obama's health care law survived the Supreme Court and the election; now the uninsured can sign up for coverage in about 11 months.November 9, 2012
Value of health insurance could be tough sell to some uninsured The federal health care overhaul aims to drastically reduce the number of Americans who don't have insurance. But as Minnesota officials gear up to promote the importance of health insurance, market research indicates even subsidized health plans will be a tough sell with some people.November 6, 2012
Health changes spur test of more part-time workers The owner of Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants is putting more workers on part-time status in a test aimed at limiting costs from President Barack Obama's health care law.October 10, 2012
'Safety net' hospitals brace for potential cuts The federal health care overhaul will inject some financial uncertainty into the budget of Hennepin County Medical Center and other so-called, "safety net" hospitals.October 9, 2012
In new health exchange, human element of customer service is up for debate Minnesota and other states are developing health exchanges: an online, one-stop shop for consumers to compare competing health plans. The law provides for assistance from humans as well, but there is a big debate about who should provide that help.October 1, 2012
Rural Minnesota retools health care in wave of hospital mergers Outstate Minnesota hospitals are experiencing a new round of consolidations that can add services to communities and let patients stay closer to home but that inevitably lead to the loss of local control.September 20, 2012
Minnesota seeks Medicaid waiver Minnesota asks the federal government to waive a number of federal Medicaid rules, which Gov. Mark Dayton says would save the state about $151 million over the next five years. The proposed changes include an emphasis on intervening before Medicaid patients rack up huge medical bills.August 28, 2012
HennCo sues lenders over unpaid taxes Hennepin County elected officials have filed a $10 million civil lawsuit against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in U.S. District Court. The suit contends the two privately held home loan corporations owe the state of Minnesota for unpaid deed transfer taxes.August 24, 2012
Rybak budget increases spending for police, fire Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's proposal calls for a 1.7 percent property tax increase. He's also proposing to cut costs by reorganizing the city's Regulatory Services Department.August 15, 2012