Minnesota Attorney General Calls for Gradual Move Toward Universal Health Care

Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch (D), a candidate for governor, on Wednesday said the state should work gradually toward achieving universal coverage by implementing cost reforms in the health care system without increasing costs to consumers, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Speaking at a gubernatorial candidate forum at the University of Minnesota, Hatch said changes that could produce savings include increasing oversight of boards that monitor insurers, establishing prescription drug purchasing pools and allowing employers to purchase coverage from assigned-risk plans. He also expressed support for school health clinics and mental health assessment centers. Hatch said he would fund his plan with a $450 million state surplus and $1 billion from improved government auditing. He also noted that insurers spend money on consultants and marketing, adding, "A health insurance policy is supposed to provide health insurance, period." Hatch said he would work to restore coverage for 36,000 state residents who lost benefits under MinnesotaCare. Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) said in a statement that he supports expanding access, reducing cost increases and improving outcomes but is "very concerned that Hatch's proposal for universal health care will lead to dramatically higher taxes" (Olson, Minneapolis Star Tribune, 8/9).