(CNN) – As Democrats in Washington work to push health care reform through the Senate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty rolled out a series of new health care initiatives on Tuesday that he plans to introduce during next year's legislative session.
The Republican, who is contemplating a White House bid in 2012, made clear that the proposals are intended to be a "market driven" contrast to President Obama's health care plan currently being debated in Washington. Along with the official policy rollout in St. Paul, Pawlenty also published an online column trashing the Democratic health care bill that ultimately emerged from the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday as "a tax and spending bill masquerading as a health reform bill."
His new three-pronged plan to reform the state-run health care system is anchored by a proposal to let Minnesotans purchase health insurance plans across state lines. If enacted, Minnesota would become the first state to allow residents to buy health care from out of state. That plan, he said, would foster more private sector competition to help reduce costs.
The second proposal would establish a "tiered provider system" for the state-run programs MinnesotaCare and Minnesota Advantage that would make consumers pay more for clinics that are more costly and less efficient. The third part of the plan would require adults making at least 133 percent of the federal poverty level pay for some of the health care expenses under MinnesotaCare.
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Market driven? or Insurance greedy driven while giving you political donations!
Too LITTLE too LATE Pawlenty!!!
Obama- Biden 2012
Ah, what a great plan!! Sounds like YOU will be paying for everything.....
Look, we need an option that will lower costs and not have us pay for everything. I dont trust these ELEPHANTS that has left us 5 trillion dollars of debt and put our economy where it is today, in the toilet.
There you go Republicans, there's a plan! And as governor, Pawlenty is in a position to actually implement his ideas. I wish him luck. If his ideas succeed, maybe the Democrats can learn something. But if not, then I guess we'll all finally know the Republicans aren't worth the hot air coming out their mouths.
Don’t waste people’s time. It’s as simple as this for the thick skulls. As long as healthcare is a commodity that can be traded on Wall Street in form of “for profit Insurance companies”, there will be not affordable health care in the USA.
Good for you Mr. Pawlenty, but you are now President of the United States yet. Wait until you get that job and you will see how difficult it is to get concensus on anything. Minnesota is less than 2% of the US population at just over 5 million people, so who cares what you guys do. It won't make much difference in the overall scheme of things.
Democrats aren't going to like it, making everyone pay something towards their healthcare. How terrible to suggest someone take responsibility for their OWN well being. Good suggestion, the 53% of us who pay income tax cannot continue to support the 47% that pay NO income tax. Life is a matter of priorities and health care should be enough of a concern that EVERY citizen pays.
um...too little....too late.
the Democrats do not need your input! they will take care of health care on their own!
Pawlenty ... isn't he the governor who cut back spending on the infrastructure – and the huge bridge collapsed? Isn't he the governor of the state that couldn't get a Senator seated until July?
He's trashing the current plan – this from the party of "borrow and spend" who funded the currents war on the installment plan? Just whining about "tax and spend" is so .... 70's ...
Yeah great idea. So now health insurance companies would be able to flee to the states with the weakest regulations. Smooth move, ex-lax. Have a nice day!
This man is absolutely pitiful!!!!!!!
That makes perfect sense. A single person who is making $14,404 (1.33 * 10,830) or more should have to pay for his health care and a family of four making an astounding $29,327 (1.33 * 22,050) should cough it up.
Just like a republican, tax the poor because the wealthy already have enough money to pay for their health care.
It's just one more step in America's steady march to a land of the haves and the have nots.
Finally, a reform proposal that doesn't saddle existing insured individuals with unnecessary cost.
I'm sure the left-fringers will begin screaming, but hopefully they will one day wake up and realize that they are "the market" that Obama sees as so evil.
Idiot. Start doing the math Minnesotans: is it cheaper to move now or stay and pay for your health care after this bewb's politically-motivated stunt?
All my Grand Children live in Minnesota. They are all covered very nicely, so Timmy leave it along.
Too Little, Too Late.
Just like all republicans – 6 decades and they finally come up with a flimsy plan – won't reduce ins. rates, just spread them around.
Oh shut up you! For the past six months, this health care conversation has been going back and forth.
Every Republican except Senator Snowe found ways to lie, cheat and pander to the healthcare companies. Now you have plans that are different; tell me then, will be ib because your state people will buy insurance cheaper after the reform is passed?
I can't for the life of me understand why people vote for people like you. They are so ignorant or blind for not knowing you and your republicans friends are fully covered; while they ride around in their pickup truck sick, broke and can't aford toothpaste. Beats me...really!
Goferit Guv! Let the Minnesota experiment begin!
Idiot republicans....
Great Job Senator Pawlenty to put the spotlight on some truly positive alternatives to the bad legislation that is being offered up for our consumption. I have been nauseous just smelling the fumes from their latest recipe of pottage crap.
Keep up the great work. Conservatives out there, keep working on the antidote.
The Cheney's are a complete joke.....
Bush and Cheney DID NOT KEEP US SAFE! AND, they started 2 wars that have no end in sight.
We want the wars to end now....and the Cheney's can go suck and egg.
Good luck with that Governor. I'm not sure how those purchasing plans are going to be monitored. I also wonder how residents in other states are going to react when their premiums go up because of the demand coming into that sister state for cheap heath care. I also wonder if the insurance companies in the sister state have MN doctors in their network. I think you might want to reevaluate this, Governor.
"The third part of the plan would require adults making at least 133 percent of the federal poverty level pay for some of the health care expenses under MinnesotaCare."
Federal poverty level for a single individual = $10,830.
133% of that = $14,404
I think anyone with a brain in their head can see how utterly ridiculous this lunatic is. Throwing the poor under the bus all for an attempt at political points...
I need the public option for my family.
I like Pawlenty's approach more than the Democrats. They have no option to let people purchase insurance across state lines. This would reduce the cost as competition would increase.
Yesterday I watched LOU DOBBS TONIGHT, I started to acknowledge that the REPUB had their plans too. But their plans were all killed by the DEM controolled Congress. Some of the points on the REPUB's HC Plan seemed to make sense to me though I am a long time DEM.
I think it is time for the D and R to work together instead of pointing fingers at each other. It will do no good to the American people.
The media should do their FAIR AND BALANCED COVERAGE ON THE ISSUE NOW.
Raise your hand if you're sick of the carefully practiced "speaking fist" these idiots use.
Mr. Pawlenty,
You are late Mr. You miss your chances, you should have open up your mouth first and and let your GOPERS to support President healthcare reform. You are the next one to be Kicked out in the next election...............
BCBS of VA and BCBS of GA or any BCBS product you can think of, the premiums may be lower from one state to the next, but they all still fall under BCBS/Wellpoint. Don't be fooled. I'm a healthcare professional and I can tell you from experience that purchasing insurance across state lines DEFINITELY will not lower rates. How do I know? Because if you called BCBS of VA and verified your medical benefits and then called BCBS of GA and do the same thing, you'll see that the benefits are pretty much the SAME and the out of pocket expenses are pretty much the SAME. In the example I just gave, even if you were allowed to purchase insurance across state lines, the money is still going to BCBS.
Pathetic, too late buddy this train is moving!
Let's see, consumers can buy policies from across state lines... Last time I checked, most of the people with health insurance are getting it through their work and have limited options on which to buy. Adding more companies to the pool that can try to get my company to strip down the health care they offer is not going to improve my situation any.
Now? Pawlenty waits until now(?) as the health bill passes the final committee in Congress. Way to delay, Tim.
And while "third," Pawlenty's 133% so-called proposal would hypocritically seem his own version of tax and spending bill. Give me a break.
that means he is raising taxes... wonder if their conservative supporters know what the Good Governor is up to?
Does anyone listen to Pawlenty?
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE!
Where were you Pawlenty during the previous 8-years when Republicans were in-charge? Why didn’t you propose health reform then? Pawlenty, your hypocrisy stinks and the GOP has no credibility on social issues like Veterans Administration Hospitals and Support, Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment Support, and above all Health Coverage.
You could have done this at any time Tim. Why now? Oh, we get it, you want to run for President.
what does this guy know, seriously????????!
This proposal is a clear sign that Pawlenty and most Republicans don't understand how health care actually works. Buying insurance across state lines does nothing for the consumer unless the insurance carrier has established a network of providers who will accept the insurance plan. In that case, they would most likely be operating in that state already. Most doctors, hospitals and other providers are part of networks. You can get health care on an out of network basis, but it is substantially more expensive than in network care. Most of the major health care players, like Aetna, Wellpoint, Humana and United Health already operate in most states. To eliminate the state by state differences in policies, you need to eliminate state by state regulation of insurance carriers and go to a national regulatory model which I am sure Pawlenty and other Republicans would oppose.
Finally, someone who has been listening to the townhall meetings. Competition and the free market will fix the cost of healthcare if only people are allowed to buy coverage from any provider in the country. Removing the state-boundary limit will greatly improve competition. The only thing Pawlenty left out of his proposed plan is tort reform.
'Let the loser pay' in malpractice suits would have an even greater impact on healthcare costs.
How is that going to help those of us with pre-existing conditions, Mr. Pawlenty?
Who is this guy kidding. This is another attempt by the GOP to sound like they care about the poor. Tim Pawlenty only cares about getting elected. America has to wake up and realize the GOP is the party of the rich and powerful. Taxes pay for everything in a democracy.
little late? lol
Well if his HealthCare plan is as good as his maintenance plan for the bridges in his State it is a DISASTER.......
Are you serious! Now you want to actually do something for health care for your state. All this time and you just magically have come up with something for your state. So explain to me how you are going to deal with varying state laws that allows an insurance company to deny someone health care for reasons in one state versus others. Kind of like why the credit card companies for many years based themselves out of Delaware! Sound familiar. The states have a right to determine what is allowed and not allowed from state to state. But nobody is talking about that. I guess until someone is denied health care, you don't know.
All of which will do no good at all if insurance companies are allowed to dump those who have paid into the system for years. Being allowed to buy insurance policies outside of state lines would give consumers more options, but I laugh at the thought that this by itself would make it more affordable. Am I to believe that I will now be offered a policy that I can afford at $400 or less a month? I am not counting on it. It is how providers are reimbursed that make the system inefficient. Specialists get paid better than primary doctors. Specialists are a bigger burden on the system because cost of care and procedures are more expensive than the primary doctors, who should be gatekeepers of the system. Medical students are avoiding primary care because there is no money in it. To make the system more efficient, the incentives should go to the providers who will be providing the care. I see little reform there.
This man is a devil in a suit and tie. Does he really think that
Americans are nieve enough to belive anything that comes out of his big mouth? Pawlenty, like other Republicans, needs to crawl under a rock
Another. GOP idiots
The problem with buying policies from across state lines is the lack of regulation. It's typically bad for the consumer, but a real winner for repubs (or so they think) – even with the financial disaster created in part by the lack of regulation – they still insist markets can regulate themselves. Too bad reality tells another story.
I'm not that impressed by what I hear thus far, but would be interested to hear more about it. It's nice to that someone from the GOP can come with an idea beyond the good old tax cut. Maybe the GOP can add something besides negativity to health care policy yet.
Ask the good citizens of Minnesota(one of which I used to be) how they feel about the Gov. Most believe he has abandoned the state in order to begin his run for President. I would be curious to see how much money the health insurance lobby has contributed to his campaign both as govenor and potentially as a GOP presidental wannabe. Who makes the decision which clinic(s) are more costly and less efficient?
In other words, make the Have's not have to anti up and the Have-not's pay more. At what point do the rich stop getting richer and the middle class on down stop losing any money they had under GOP rule??? Can anyone (I'm talking to you GOP trolls out there) tell me why this helps us ordinary folks that are struggling to pay for health insurance?
Under the GOP since Reagan we've seen a slow deterioration of the middle class. Trickle down DOES NOT WORK!!! The rich keep their wealth.... actually that money came from somewhere... so they keep the middle class's wealth.
Did we learn anything from the Bush era? Anyone out there better off after watching him use "free-market" priciples to run EVERYTHING and ANYTHING? Because its not really a "free-market". Money is power and those with the money run the "free-market" in their favor.
Pawlenty is a FOOL and the people of Minnesota needs to get rid of this GRANDSTANDER.
The idea that Republicans cling to that markets are always correct is flat out wrong. There are times (and this is one) that the market won't correct it self. We need government to correct things and get people what they need because business is too much looking to make a profit off those that are ill.
"the proposals are intended to be a "market driven"contrast ".
Hey Pawlenty! The markets already "driving" itself. Thats why record profits and poor coverage is the norm. Go crawl back under your rock. We don't need no steeenking "market driven" approach. This all started with GOP deregulation. Good idea.
this from a guy who has ran down minnesota hospitals by cutting their funding and runing the schools by cutting their funding to fund special intrest group projects only nut cases will listen to this guy.this chap has no brains and is only driven by power of self jubiliation .
For Minnesota? I hope it's will not be illegal. So long as his plan fits the general framework established by congress and the white house. At least he's thinking!
The G.O.P should change their name to Ringling Bros because it's a non-stop circus show.
Too little too late!! I will never take anyone more serious than those who have attempted to legislate health care reform. If you have anything to say later and you have not attempted to work bi-partisen now, you will not only not be heard, but I will vote against you. I do not need anyone in Washington that represents me and refuse to work with others and negotiate. You may not get all that you want, but can at least have something on the table.
The one who lets a major highway collapse on his watch killing hundreds of innocents peoples now has enough good ideas to reveal his own healthcare plan. Grandstanding! But-head!
For profit insurance can never be as cheap as non-profit government run insurance, that's why up here in Canada we spend less per capita, and everyone is still covered. Oh but I guess since my doctor is apparently a communist agent of the state we have inferior service. The Milton Friedman free market crap that Reagan happily swallowed and spewed to the masses is finally showing its true colors in the form of bailouts, bankruptcies and unemployment. The fact is trickle down economics doesn't work and is only beneficial to the top 0.5% As they say, the first million is the hardest to make:)
"It is better to be thought a fool than speak out and remove all doubts"
Pawlenty just proved what a fool he is with his unworkable, unacceptable, favoring big business plan. Does he even know what the poverty line is and how much people are struggling? The 33% above powerty line makes them have money to throw away??
What an irresponsible, hypocritical politician.
Way too little, Way to late. Pawlenty: the next republican to pretend he has a chance to become president. I'm sure his health care plan includes tax cuts for the wealthy somewhere, and prayer as an alternative cure to medically treatable diseases.
One must laugh. If one buys insurance across state lines, one avoids the state's right to "govern" insurance through its own state insurance agency, thereby turning this right over to federal laws and creating that most-feared government takeover of health care. Hello?
Please give it a rest.
Can Pawlenty please just ride out the remainder of his days being quiet? He has no chance at becoming president, he won't even win his own state
Now that a real dumb bill there. I do like, however, buying insurance out of state to possibly bring down insurance cost.
I want Pawlenty to be president. Can America trade up and replace Obama with Pawlenty? By 2012 there will be nothing left. We will be equal though. Everyone will be equally poor and without a job. The dollar will be worthless, won't matter how many of them you have.
Now all of a sudden he's interested?!!
Somehow I seem to be missing the sincerity; when a week ago he (Pawlenty), said the only positive results from "Cash for Clunkers" was that it got more OBAMA stickers off of the road. So if you don't have a nice car this guy is not for you!!! Well said "Paw"lenty , we heard you loud and clear!
How does crossing state lines to purchase insurance make it less expensive – I don't see that insurance is cheaper in one state than another. If the large insurance companies are operating in all states, it would see logical to me that insurance rates would be basically equal among all states.
Secondly, the statement that those making 133% above the poverty level would help pay for some of this play sounds a lot either a tax hike or 'republican socialism'.
Finally, wouldn't you think that the less wealthy citizens would more likely to be going to a clinic that is less efficient and therefore more costly because of the disparity in healthcare? Once again the poor people in this country would be the ones paying being screwed because their healtcare costs would be increased.
...just another republican bathroom stall foot tapper draping themselves in false morality while kissing their buddies on the down low
Sounds like this guy works for the Insurance Companies.
don't foget to talk about that unallotment of GAMC here in minnesota which is going to cut off those making less than $7,800 annually from healthcare, nice job. because what the purpose of healthcare unless it makes a profit right? don't get sick or die quickly I guess.
This man is slime. I wouldn't trust a health bill of his if my life depended on it, oh wait– it does.
My answer to the Gov is H-no. I neither need nor do I want any health bill that's sanctioned by a grimey, grubby-nosed, insurance industry suck-up like Pawlenty.
PawLEASE.
Why do Republicans keep trying to say if you just offer health care across state lines it will be more competitive? Group plans for major American corporations already do that.
I got news for you. My wife lives and works in NC, her insurance is from BCNS of Alabama, the rates have gone up and the coverage has gone down. It doesn't help the American consumer.
That being said I give Gov Pawlenty credit for trying to bring something to the table.
Same story different Republican. Even the new guys have the same old ideas.
He is by far the weakest link in the republican party. Does this guy really think he has what it takes to lead? Please.
God think T-Peeuw is using his position and the state of MN to further his idiotic political desires. Someone wipe this guys nose ...
This bridge collapser has been in over office over 7 years. it is just now he knew he needs to reform the health care system. Looser
too little, too late. Next time, try and get ahead of the train instead of standing in the tracks with your arm up to signal a lane change. Just another goof ball.
A tiered system sounds a lot like the rich get health care while the poor get the free clinic to me.
So THAT'S where he's been? Working on this???
T-Paw could not care less about us.
Again here we go with another idea to leave everyone to the mercy of the insurance companies. Please get off this crap about purchasing across state lines. If each state gets to choose how they regulate this you will have the same issue you have with credit cards. Do you know why nearly every credit card is issue from Delaware becasue they are the only state that have no limit on interest rates. So what happen when the federal gov't left it up ot the states the card companies ran to the state with no cap on interest rates. Wake up all you republican idiots the same thing will happen in this case.
Any plan would be better than the communistic mess the goofballs in congress are coming up with now. Just another welfare system in the making for the under achievers of the world. No public option.
Gee, think he is part of the Health Care Lobby push to try to shut down reform? If the Republicans had any real ideas, they would have flounted it before instead of being the party of NO.
another dumb white guy
But dear Tim, the market forces have utterly filed to be the fillip for the health sector during W's years. What makes you think it will work this time?
Market driven? That sounds scary. Personally, I think we should buck up and get universal health care rolling. At this point, I'm going to be glad if we can even get some kind of reform done. However, I personally think the business aspect of health care should be removed from health care. Our health is more important than the hospital's bottom line.
Republicans had 8 years in power. Why didnt they use that time and use that power to reform health care then? Wasn't it a problem then?
T-Paw is monday nite quaterbacking. This guy is a joke!
This is EXACTLY what should be happening in Washington right now. Instead, we have Democrats dreaming up brainless health PAYMENT reforms that simply dock physicians, hospitals and insurers to cover more Americans. That is NOT health care reform. How is everyone on this comment board so blinded from these socialist moves. America is the land of opportunity...everyone for themselves and success to the hardest working. You want good reform, listen to Republican ideas...make health care like every other industry: CAPITALISTIC.
There's only one problem with this proposal. Insurance Companies are NOT promoting cpmpetition. There is something called McCarron/Ferguson, not sure if it's a bill or a court case, that provides two entities be exempted from the rules on fair competition. Those two entities are Major League Baseball and the Insurance industry. Why hasn't this been brought to light? We have heard the insurance companies say that costs will go up about $4200. With the rules the Insurance Industry plays under, that's a true statement. That's why a public option is so vital to the end product. Can anyone tell me how much Pawlenty has received from the Insurance Company Lobbyists?
Are you kidding me? Most people get their insurance from their employer, not individual policies. It sounds more and more like my Governor is in the pockets of big insurance as UnitedHealth, my employer, is HQ'd here in Minnesota.
Gov. Pawlenty, Do your proposals REALLY help the 1.1 million Minnesotans who are uninsured? I wonder sometimes if you even care. Do you really think the insurance premiums will go down? That would be new since during my lifetime I don't think my health insurance premium has ever gone down ever. I want a gov't option because the insurance companies have shown their main interest is profits and not in helping all people get a minimum standard of health care. 55 yr old Minnesotan
I will not be moving to Minnesota if this guy gets his way. I find it hard to believe that a clinic visit cost more then a GP office visit or an ER visit.
I can only hope the great people of Minnesota kicks this guy out soon.