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.
March 10, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Paul Ogren, House representative for District 14A, about the health care bill running through the State Capitol. The bill would open up insurance options to the working poor through state dollars and caps on the health industry charges.
April 8, 1992 - MPR’s reporter Joe Kelly presents the documentary “AIDS Lives Here.” The report looks at five Minnesota women who carry HIV. Kelly interviews the women, health officials, and advocates.
July 6, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with a researcher about a Sunday Star Tribune article regarding AIDS. Interviewee points out concerns on how the disease and those at risk is defined.
September 16, 1992 - An interview with Michael Scandrett, new director of HealthRight, a health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes.
October 2, 1992 - Dr. Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Minnesota talks about how money centers around health care system, insurance, and research. Caplan also answers listener questions.
March 15, 1993 - Minnesota State Senator Duane Benson comments on debate at State Capitol over Minnesota health coverage reforms.
March 22, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen interviews Lois Quam about plan being developed regarding national health care situation. Quam serves on the Clinton administration's health reform task force.
April 29, 1993 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports that the Minnesota House is taking up health care reform bill. Drafted legislation is designed to reduce health care spending in the state by creating large Integrated Service Networks (ISN).
June 2, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone visits the MPR studios to talk health care and answer listener questions. Wellstone advocates for a single-payer healthcare system as a universal healthcare model.
August 16, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone talks about his concerns over the ongoing congressional battle on the different approaches over national health reform/mandate. Wellstone details the single-payer plan, which he prefers.