December Meeting Notes -Abbreviated

PNHP-Minnesota Chapter Meeting
December 7, 2008
Strommen Building, St. Paul, Minnesota

1. Present: Caroline Toll, Elizabeth Frost, Barbara Qualley, David Mair, Laurel Gamm, Jack Garland, Mel Ny, Gillian Schivone, Kip Sullivan, Ann Settgast

2. Meetings with MN Congressmen on December 1 a. Tim Walz (MN’s first district) and his legislative aide met with PNHP members Jim Letts, Morry Hodges, Rick Kvam, Glen Peterson – no members were present to report on this meeting; we are told it went well, but did not result in a commitment by Congressman Walz to co-sign HR 676. He agrees to continue the dialogue. b. Jim Oberstar (MN’s eigth district) and his legislative aide David Boe graciously met with PNHP members Elizabeth Frost, Ann Settgast, Faris Keeling and Tim Burke for more than 2.5 hours. He was genuinely interested in the single-payer movement. He had concerns about the wording of a particular clause of HR 676 which he plans to discuss with the author (John Conyers). He agreed to become a co-signer of HR 676 in the next session.

3. Meeting with Congressman Keith Ellison on December 19 a. Elizabeth Frost, Kip Sullivan, Morry Hodges and Glen Peterson plan to attend this meeting. Please let us know if you would like to join. b. Agenda items will include expressing our gratitude to Congressman Ellison for his continued support of HR 676. Concerns re: the HCAN movement will also be shared. We will also ask his assistance in increasing support among MN’s other representatives (eg. Betty McCollum and Tim Walz).

4. HCAN and other proposals a. We reviewed the principles on their website – many of which are in keeping with ours. However, the coalition clearly calls for maintenance of a multi-payer system, which we do not believe is a sustainable or effective approach to healthcare reform.

5. MN Medicine ad a. We discussed ideas for how to re-design the ad to increase its effectiveness – goal in publishing it is to grow our signature list and shore up support for SP that we know already exists among MN physicians b. Ad will appear in the February issue; current resolution signatures: 186

6. Media update a. Elizabeth shared news of her recent Pioneer Press letter to the editor (published 11/23/08) and her recent piece in the Southside Pride b. Elizabeth was interviewed on the Community Suburban Channel on Nov 26 c. Ann & Elizabeth will be interviewed on Air America (AM 950) December 13 at 3:30 pm d. Barbara Qualley suggested investigating options for TV appearances (eg. WCCO “Fact or Fiction” spot)

7. State budget deficit and potential cuts to MA, GAMC, and MnCare a. We discussed PNHP’s response. These programs are currently serviced by 6 HMOs. Kip will write a letter directed to MN legislators recommending that rather than cutting these programs by deleting patients, that the HMOs be ousted instead and they return to being publicly administered.

8. Upcoming presentations a. Ann will be presenting to the physicians of the Smiley’s Family Practice program on 1/13/08 at 11:30 am b. United Family Practice residents have requested a SP speaker. Jim Letts is arranging this. c. Medical student lunch & learn is to be arranged by Gillian in February.

9. Upcoming events a. Stone Arch discussion group December 13 at 8am at 205 E. Hennepin Ave led by Senator Marty b. MHP (the Minnesota Health Plan) lobby day is January 5 in the Capitol Rotunda from 11am-1pm. There will be speakers including the bill’s author, Senator John Marty. Please attend. i. We are looking for physicians who are willing to meet with MN state legislators re: the MHP. The bill will be brought before at least 3 committees this legislative session, and physician and nursing support is very influential. These meetings can be arranged by MUHCC (the MN Universal Health Care Coalition) for January 5 or other days you are available. You would not be alone, but would be meeting with groups of constituents. You do not need to be an expert on the MHP. Please email us if you can help!! c. Elizabeth is hosting a "Health Care Community Discussion" at her home, December 19 at 7pm

10. Next Chapter Meeting: March 1, 2009 at 4pm