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).
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April 27, 2010 - The 21st Annual International Arts in Healthcare conference is happening now. It's entitled "Partners in Health", and it runs through Saturday at the Hilton Minneapolis.
November 18, 2010 - Early next year the first baby boomers turn 65. The aging boomers are expected to strain healthcare resources for the next 20 years. One of the most urgent concerns is a looming shortage of nurses to care for the elderly. Ten nursing schools in west central Minnesota want to focus more attention on the nursing shortage. Dan Gunderson reports.
November 24, 2010 - It's been an interesting year for health stories. A huge healthcare reform bill passed Congress... but the debate after the fact seemed to raise more rancor than the discussion leading in. An earthquake kills hundreds of thousands in Haiti... followed by a deadly outbreak of cholera. In the meantime, America's epidemic of obesity has spread to other nations across the globe. But, even with all those challenges and uncertainties, medical analyst Dr. Hallberg says there is still reason to be hopeful when it comes to health and wellness at this customary time of thanksgiving.
December 23, 2010 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with former Republican U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger about landmark health care law signed by President Barack Obama earlier in 2010, and the push by some in Congress to already repeal the law. Durenberger also answers listener questions.
January 26, 2011 - President Barack Obama appeared to give a nod to supporters of tort reform last night (Tuesday) during his State of the Union address. Even while defending his health care law, the President said he'd be open to "medical malpractice reform to rein in frivolous lawsuits." In the past Obama has shown some interest in reforming state medical malpractice laws but has stopped short of supporting federal caps on damage awards. But that is what Republicans want. Elizabeth Stawicki reports: Just this week, two Republicans and one Democrat in the US House Judiciary committee introduced what they're calling the HEALTH ACT -- the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare Act of 2011.
January 26, 2011 - Excerpts of the Tea Party's response to President Obama's State of the Union address last night (Tuesday). Minnesota's 6th District Republican Congresswoman, Michele Bachmann, delivered her remarks on behalf of the Tea Party after the Republican Party's official response, delivered by Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan. Obama's policies and actions on taxes, the unemployment rate, gas prices and healthcare are mentioned.
January 27, 2011 - The leaders of seven large Minnesota health plans and hospital groups are floating a plan that would cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the state's Medicaid benefits, while boosting health care revenues from additional taxes on alcohol, tobacco and providers. The organizations say their idea could eliminate nearly a third of the state's $6.2 billion dollar budget shortfall. The proposal, called Minnesota's Healthcare Imperative, is already drawing fire from groups who would be affected by the suggested cuts and increased taxes. Lorna Benson reports.
September 27, 2012 - MPR’s Elizabeth Baier gives a summary report on first debate between DFL Congressman Tim Walz and his Republican challenger former State Representative Allan Quist as they battle for 1st Congressional District seat. The debate included some feisty exchanges between the candidates, who met in the town of Byron, just west of Rochester.
September 28, 2012 - MPR presents a debate for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District between DFL Congressman Tim Walz and his Republican challenger former State Representative Allen Quist. The debate, held Thursday September 26, 2012 at Somerby Golf Club near Rochester, focused on jobs and the economy.
December 10, 2012 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on healthcare controversy surrounding Steve Gottwalt, a Republican state representative; and David Hann, a Republican state senator. Gottwalt, who steered legislation through the House to drop people from the state-run MinnesotaCare program, is an independent contractor for an insurance brokerage firm that lobbied for the change.