January 2007 | Back to Table of Contents

Veiwpoint

Let's Work Together in the New Year

With the approach of the 2007 legislative session, we face new challenges and opportunities. As concerned physicians, we need to work together to find creative solutions to problems and seize opportunities.

We have the best chance in years to pass the Freedom to Breathe Act, a statewide law that would make sure that all employees—including those of bars and restaurants—work in a smoke-free environment. Because of the results of the November election, there will be more legislators who are likely to support a smoking ban at the state Capitol, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty has promised to sign a bill if it reaches his desk.

Our chances look better than ever, but we still expect a tough fight. Let’s not let this opportunity slip away. The MMA and other advocates will rally at the Capitol for a Smoke-Free Minnesota on Tuesday, January 30, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Experienced advocates will be there to lead you through meetings with legislators about the issue. I encourage you to attend.

During this session, we also expect to see many ideas floated for health care reform, ranging from totally free-market to single-payer proposals. In addition, Gov. Pawlenty has indicated that he would support proposals to provide insurance coverage to uninsured Minnesota children.

As you know, the MMA introduced our own health care reform plan in 2005. Then at the beginning of 2006, we brought together a broad group of leaders from business, health care, government, and other areas to form Healthy Minnesota: A Partnership for Reform. This group has been working to develop its own plan of action, using the MMA plan as a starting point for discussion.

The Healthy Minnesota steering committee will hold its final meeting of 2006 as this issue of Minnesota Medicine goes to press. Will they reach consensus and announce a comprehensive plan for health care reform? Will they be ready to introduce legislation? We don’t know the answers, but their decisions will have an impact on the MMA’s strategy. I hope each of us will become involved in health care reform and lend our voices to the debate. We may have an opportunity to improve access to care for our patients this year.

Another important issue on the MMA’s list of priorities is proposing that a committee be created to make sure the Health Care Access Fund isn’t used as a slush fund for programs completely unrelated to providing health care for low-income Minnesotans.

We’ll also be looking for creative solutions to the problem of providing medical interpreter services. Federal law requires that clinic and hospital staff be able to communicate with non-English-speaking patients, who are rapidly increasing in number. Since insurers won’t pay for interpreters, this creates a financial burden for many clinics. Some report paying interpreters more than they are reimbursed for medical visits.

Throughout the legislative session, you’ll have opportunities to help us achieve our goals by responding to MMA action alerts calling on you to contact your legislators and by attending the MMA Day at the Capitol on Thursday, March 1. Advocacy training is scheduled for the morning; a rally in the rotunda and legislative visits will take place in the afternoon.

If you can’t fit Day at the Capitol into your schedule, I encourage you to take advantage of the MMA’s new program, Capitol Rounds, which allows you to plan your own Capitol visit. For more information, contact Julian Locke Micko, the MMA grassroots advocacy manager, jlockemicko@mnmed.org or 612/362-3745.

It’s important to show our strength and commitment. Physician voices are badly needed in all health care debates.