Minority and Multicultural Health
Messages from the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health
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News release: Feb. 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Mis Dos Centavos
From the Director
José L. González
Health Reform – Health Reform – Health Reform
We all hear about it.
With all that we hear about it – what do we actually know about it and where can we go to get answers? Try this link: Health Reform Minnesota
It has tons of information. For example – Have you ever heard discussions about Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)? These are health care organizations that will reward “hospitals and doctors will share in cost savings when people stay out of the clinic or emergency room, unlike the current fee-for-service model, which pays separate fees for every procedure and visit.” Federal experts estimate savings of $1.1 billion over the next five years if there is widespread adoption of this model. Allina hospitals and Clinics, Fairview Health Services, and Park Nicollet Health Services are three Minnesota health care organizations taking part in a federal pilot program designed to improve the quality of health care for seniors by remaking the way physicians, hospitals and clinics get paid.
How about Health Insurance Exchanges? This is a tool that is intended to allow consumers and small business a simple way to find, compare, choose, and purchase health care coverage that best suits our needs. There are some sample modules currently available on a series of websites that allow us to see what an Exchange might look like and is open for public evaluation and feedback.
Of course, I strongly encourage us all to be strong advocates in guiding the process of our work in addressing health disparities during this era of health reform. Xiaoying Chen, Asian Pacific Islander Health Coordinator with our MDH Office of Minority and Multicultural Health, helped develop the background for much of the information contained on the Health Reform Minnesota's Health Disparities page.
Be at the table. Be involved!