Equitable Health Care Task Force
Equitable Health Care
Task Force
In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature established an Equitable Health Care Task Force. The task force will examine inequities in how people experience health care based on race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and disability. It will identify strategies for ensuring that all Minnesotans can receive care and coverage that is respectful and ensures optimal health outcomes.
The Equitable Health Care Task Force is currently accepting applications.
- To become a participating member of the task force, please visit Board/Commission Equitable Health Care Task Force. Open positions and more information are listed under “task force membership.” Applicants must submit a cover letter; other materials such as resumes and letters of recommendation are optional.
- A description of the task force’s purpose, along with desired skills, experience, and expectations of members is available for review in the draft charter (PDF).
- Application review will begin on September 12. The application process will remain open until positions are filled.
- For more information, contact Health.EquitableHealthCare@state.mn.us.
Task force membership
Up to 20 members appointed by the commissioner of health from metropolitan areas and greater Minnesota that include representatives of:
- African American and African heritage communities.
- Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
- Latina/o/x communities.
- American Indian communities and Tribal Nations.
- Disability communities.
- LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Organizations that advocate for the rights of individuals using the health care system.
- Health care providers of primary and specialty care (this includes persons who represent organizations that provide health care).
- Organizations that provide health coverage in Minnesota (this includes persons who represent insurers and health maintenance organizations).
Responsibilities
The task force will:
- Identify inequities experienced by Minnesotans in interacting with the health care system that originate from or can be attributed to their race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, age and/or disability status.
- Conduct community engagement across multiple systems, sectors, and communities to identify barriers for these population groups that result in diminished standards of care and foregone care.
- Identify promising practices to improve experience of care and health outcomes for individuals in these population groups.
- Make recommendations to the commissioner of health and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over health policy and finance for changes in health care system practices or health insurance regulations that would address identified issues.
Reports
The task force will submit its recommendations to the legislature. As reports become available, they will be posted on this page.
Please refer to this page to monitor progress and sign up for task force email updates for news, notifications, and opportunities for input.