During the 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota legislature passed legislation that tasks the Minnesota Department of Health with evaluating payment mechanisms for rural health care and identifying stages of readiness of rural communities and rural health care providers for adoption of value-based, global budget or other alternative payment systems. (Minnesota Laws, 2023 Regular Session, Chapter 70 – SF2995, Article 16, Sec 4). The final product will be a part of the recommendations and reports required by the Center for Health Care Affordability (Minnesota Statute 2023, section 62J.312). The legislation directs MDH to assess readiness and make recommendations for implementation. This project will inform readiness assessment by developing a community engagement plan. The community engagement plan will include a detailed plan of how to solicit input from stakeholders and how to use any feedback gathered to inform the next steps for readiness and recommendations for implementation of an eventual rural health plan that encompasses necessary steps for rural viability including the sustainability of health care services within a geographic area, and key factors that address related population health needs and financing. The Department of Health requests proposals to develop the community engagement planning materials that will assist the Commissioner in making recommendations for future next steps.
