Pawlenty proposes health care changes

by Greta Kaul

            Governor Tim Pawlenty made proposals to change Minnesota's health care system Tuesday, according to the Pioneer Press.

            Pawlenty wants to reward poor residents who choose state-subsidized health programs MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance with higher deductibles on their electronic benefits cards, the Pioneer Press said.

            Pawlenty also wants Minnesota to be the first state to allow residents to buy health coverage from out-of-state, according to the Star Tribune.

            The proposals would allow for-profit insurers into the Minnesota health care market, the Star Tribune said.

            According to Pawlenty, proposals could cut Minnesota's health care costs by $100 million a year, the Star Tribune said.