MPR news and documentary programming highlighting medical and political commentary on the changing landscape of American health care. Minnesota is not only home to Mayo Clinic, UCare, and Hazelden, it has been at the forefront of the health discussion, from the state’s historic tobacco settlement case to the idea of prepaid health plans (later known as HMOs).
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.
May 30, 1972 - MPR’s Paul Gruchow interviews Dr. Charles H. Mayo II about health security and the problems of current healthcare system.
May 31, 1972 - MPR’s Paul Gruchow interviews Dr. Charles H. Mayo II about national health insurance. Mayo formed a Minnesota organization to push for passage of national health legislation.
August 4, 1972 - MPR’s Paul Gruchow talks with community Mankato drug stores on the struggles of medication costs and cooperatives.
March 2, 1973 - Protest on Nixon daycare cutbacks, and a call for Minnesota healthcare. Nixon daycare cutbacks, healthcare, welfare. Minnesota Children's Lobby.
March 13, 1973 - State daycare legislation. House Representative Arne Carlson speaks in favor of daycare funding. Nixon daycare cutbacks, healthcare, welfare.
March 13, 1973 - Legislation on non-smoking resolution. Note: not a law, but a resolution. Smoking, cigarettes, lucky strikes and Kool commercials, second hand smoke (says it's okay!)
August 21, 1973 - HEW Secretary Caspar Weinberger outlines improvements he wishes to make to the present Medicare system.
September 2, 1973 - Dr. Alvin Thompson, author of a paper on the U.S. health care system's effect on the working poor, (especially African Americans), is interviewed.
February 1, 1974 - MPR’s Gary Eichten reports on criticism over the U.S. government efforts in supporting Vietnam vets. Topics include concerns on education, jobs, and medical care. Eichten interviews Tom Windseck, director of Veteran’s Affairs at the University of Minnesota; Frank Momson, state adjutant of American Legion; and John O’Neill of the VFW.
February 4, 1974 - Unknown speaker says the problem of national health insurance can be split into two parts. One part is financing, the other is the delivery system. National health insurance only addresses the first problem: how to get dollars to people who need to buy care. The second problem concerns doctors and hospitals and their performance. The speaker talks about lessons to be learned from Medicare, which was instituted five years ago. Health services shifted from the middle class to the old and the poor, and prices for services escalated much more than anyone expected.