Obama to Visit Minnesota, Continue Health Care Push

Pawlenty has become a vocal critique of many of the Obama’s administrations plans in the past few months, and rightfully so. Yesterday he argued that Obama’s aggressive government plans infringe on state sovereignty. Pawlenty made the point that “asserting the tenth amendment may be a viable option” if Obama and friends try and force their health care changes into law. When asked about his support for a public option, Pawlenty added that “it’s frightening, it’s ludicrous, it’s a bad idea and the country is against it.”

 

Pawlenty has implemented several useful tools for reform. He has created a Health Cabinet that advocates common sense, effective market based reforms. Some of the highlights include increasing improving citizen’s access to health care information, streamlining and simplifying regulations, and improving state health care purchasing strategies. Additionally, Minnesotans have access to two informative websites: the state administered Minnesota RxConnect and Minnesota HealthScores. Both resources allow consumers more information so they can make the most cost effective and beneficial health decisions. 

 

As Pawlenty notes, “Providing quality and cost information gives consumers a powerful tool for health care purchasing decisions.” He went on to say that the RxConnect program “is a market-driven success… is not government intervention and no legislation was needed. This is simply the buyer… working with health plans and providers to meet the community’s needs.” More information about the smart market-based reforms in the state can be found at the bottom of this page.

 

Hopefully Obama will notice the health care solutions Minnesota has to offer.  If Obama truly wants a bi-partisan health plan that works, he needs to start actually listening to the opposition instead of just giving it lip service. If he actually wants to “bring the best ideas of both parties together”, then the Governor’s back yard will be a great place to start.