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Frank P. Russomanno We [should] form a ‘Health Care Consortium,’ with the objective of bringing together leaders from medical facilities, research institutions and medical companies to improve the availability of health care. There would be subcommittees focused on specific areas to transform wellness such as oral health. I can envision a group of dentists coming together, buying a mobile van, and delivering dental care to schools and less fortunate communities. The same concept could be available to other vulnerable categories where there are specific needs, such as the elderly. |
Engage Citizens, Align Incentives, Have Them Own Their Health
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Mary Brainerd The goals of Governor Tim Pawlenty’s QCare [setting optimal care standards in four major health care areas] are right on. We need to simultaneously optimize the experience of the individual, the health of the population, and per capita cost of the population. We believe one route is for the consumer to become more engaged in healthy living. One approach we use to support healthy living and better health is health-risk assessment wellness programs and financial incentives for members. |
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James Woodburn, MD Minnesota needs to continue the push for consumer-directed health care supported by transparent pricing and meaningful clinical quality information sources. We should all have access to compassionate and engaged primary-care providers who are working on our behalf. We should expect to spend as much time as we need to talk with them about our lives and our health. I envision new ‘medical homes’ that provide us with full primary care for $50 per month, paid directly to the physician or provider of our choice through our employer or heath savings account. This comprehensive primary care, coupled with affordable high-deductible health insurance plans for ourselves and our families, would provide Minnesota with affordable and high-quality health care. |
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Linda Davis While we have lots of collaboration within stakeholder groups, we need more cross-stakeholder collaboration and social marketing that engages consumers in the cost and quality questions. We also need higher-level involvement from purchasers, like CEOs from large Minnesota-based companies, to bring a business perspective and balance the special interests of plans and providers—to say, ‘Health care needs to change, and I will lead it.’ |
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Nancy Feldman Citizens need to connect their lifestyles to their chronic conditions. We have been successful in reversing the rate of smoking in Minnesota; we should repeat these lessons on other lifestyle-based risk factors. We do know that throwing money at people doesn’t work, but providing positive, focused incentives can and does work. |
