MOVEMBER: From UCare via Facebook, VERBATIM: “Justin, a 6-year UCare Mo Bro, says: ‘Globally, more than 1.4M men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Movember is working to halve the number of deaths from prostate cancer by 2030. Help me stop men dying too young.’” SEE: http://bit.ly/2QLvOuJ (SPONSORED: UCare)
SIGNUP: Now signing up for Fluence tip sheets is easy and can be found at one site, www.fluence-newsletters.com - VISIT: http://bit.ly/2019FluenceTipSheets
HEALTHCARE: According to data released this week by The Commonwealth Fund, out-of-pocket costs for employer-sponsored health plans averaged $8,666 (more than 10% of the median income) in 2018, up from $6,972 in 2016, and higher than the national average of $7,388. SEE: http://bit.ly/349ax1T MAP: http://bit.ly/2D5EYtL
SURVEY: From Genworth Financial via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “In-home care costs in Minnesota rose sharply year over year, making it one of the top five most expensive states in the nation for care at home – the place most people prefer to stay as they grow older. In Minnesota, the cost of homemaker services, which includes assistance with ‘hands-off’ tasks such as cooking, cleaning and running errands, increased 7.41 percent during the last 12 months to $66,352 for 44 hours/week for 52 weeks. The cost of a home health aide, which includes ‘hands-on’ personal assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing and eating, increased 5.17 percent, to $69,784 for the same amount of time. This year's Cost of Care Survey findings show that the national median annual cost of in-home care is rising sharply compared with the costs of assisted living and nursing home care, which are stabilizing.” READ: https://prn.to/2s3Kgnj
MEDICARE.GOV: Via Arden Hills-based Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, VERBATIM: “Medicare beneficiaries are making important choices about their health care coverage based on incorrect information displayed by the Medicare Plan Finder tool on the Medicare.gov website. Although our Senior LinkAge Line staff is working with the state staff to encourage the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to fix the tool, it continues to produce flawed results. Beneficiaries may find: Inaccuracies in premiums, for example, a plan might show a 0.00 premium when it actually charges a premium. Inaccuracies regarding prescriptions drug costs under Medicare Advantage and standalone prescription drug plans. Inaccuracies in costs under the Extra Help subsidy (LIS).” READ: http://bit.ly/2QLH0am
MENTALHEALTH: From Caitlin Owens via Axios, VERBATIM: “As suicide and overdose rates have increased, mental health and substance abuse insurance coverage has gotten worse, according to a new Milliman report commissioned by the Mental Health Treatment and Research Institute. Why it matters: Behavioral health treatment often isn't covered by insurance, and it's often unaffordable — including for patients for whom treatment is a matter of life and death. By the numbers: Coverage of substance abuse treatment was especially bad compared to physical health treatment.
The numbers for residential treatment facilities are particularly rough; in 2017, more than 50% of care in these facilities was out of network.” READ: http://bit.ly/2OBULpL
STUDY: From Jay Furst via Mayo Clinic News Network, VERBATIM: “A Mayo Clinic-led study involving 3,276 patients has found that people with inflammatory bowel disease, Type 1 diabetes or blood clots may be at increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, also found that people who have rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing heart disease, blood clots and sleep apnea.” READ: https://mayocl.in/2OD7tUW
HOUSLEY: Another Beers with Blois, Sen. Karin Housley talks about liquor laws, elder care reform, the decision not to run for the U.S. Senate, and hockey over a beer and a local seltzer from Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/323bneK (SPONSORED: MN Corn Growers and North Central Carpenters Union)
MASSSHOOTERS: From Ryan Raiche via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Local researchers at Hamline University released what they’re calling the most comprehensive database of mass shootings. The study, called The Violence Project, examined a half-century worth of mass shootings across the country. It’s the single largest study of mass shootings the United States government has funded. The project looked at everything from the mental health of the shooters to how they obtained the gun and their motives. Researchers tried to build a profile of every shooter to understand common traits. They found that most had a history of childhood trauma, a personal crisis or grievance and had some type of roadmap that validates their feelings.” WATCH: http://bit.ly/2qnzc49
MORE: Via The Violence Project, the data. SEE: http://bit.ly/37sWsy8
FLU: The Minnesota Department of Health today says the geographic spread of the flu is now “local,” up from last week’s level of “sporadic.” There were 20 flu-related hospitalizations last week, up from 65 the week before. SEE: http://bit.ly/2D6pXIg
OMCARE: From Nathan Bowe via Detroit Lakes Tribune, VERBATIM: “What could be handier? A new machine will dispense prepackaged prescription meds at home, while at the same time allowing the elderly patient to video chat with family and medical staff. A Burnsville company is partnering with Ecumen and Thrifty White Drug on a pilot project to do just that. Ōmcare has designed its Telemed System to help make sure older adults are taking their medications as prescribed -- at the right time, in the right way. The Telemed device can hold 15 to 30 days worth of medication, which for the pilot project will be provided by Thrifty White Drug -- individually packaged and pre-slit for easy opening. The three-way video system allows family or medical staff to call when it’s medication time, and to check in, chat a bit, and make sure the patient is taking the medicine as prescribed.” READ/PHOTO: http://bit.ly/2KJ1Fbm
NURSES: From Max Sullivan via Healthcare Finance, VERBATIM: “Amid a nursing shortage, hospitals are struggling to hire and keep nurses, with burnout and workplace violence cited as contributing factors, according to a new survey. Flexibility and work-life balance had the most influence for 39% of nurses in whether they decided to stick with a job, though 31% say compensation and benefits were the biggest driving factor, according to AMN Healthcare's 2019 Survey of Registered Nurses. The survey analyzed 19,967 completed responses from nurses across the country. While 81% said they were satisfied with their career choice, 44% said they often feel like resigning. More than one in five nurses say they are working two nursing jobs. Seven percent said both jobs are full-time.” READ: http://bit.ly/2OLvvgT
ANTIBIOTICS: Via Minnesota Department of Health, VERBATIM: “New data from a national reporting system show significant progress in the number of Minnesota hospitals implementing important antibiotic stewardship practices that improve antibiotic use and slow development of antibiotic resistance. In 2018, 76% of Minnesota hospitals reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network met all core elements of antibiotic stewardship outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), compared to only 24% of Minnesota hospitals in 2015.” READ: http://bit.ly/2rdEaR3
PRICING: From Anna Wilde Mathews via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Hospitals are pushing back against the Trump administration’s new health-pricing disclosure rule, with the industry planning a legal challenge to block it. The final rule, released Friday along with a proposed rule aimed at insurers, would require hospitals to disclose the secret rates they negotiate with insurers for all services, including supplies and care provided by doctors who work for the facility. If they take effect, the requirements would be a major change for the health industry, where the negotiated prices are generally kept confidential and can vary widely, even within the same market.” READ: https://on.wsj.com/2XArNdK
GREATERMN: From Farmfest, the second Fluence Forum includes 9 commissioners from multiple state agencies discussing the intersection between agriculture and issues related to Greater Minnesota. The discussion will be broadcast at 6PM on Wednesday on WCCO Radio. This Fluence Forum is sponsored by Minnesota’s Corn Growers. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/FluenceForum2 (SPONSORED: MN Corn Growers)
VAPING: Via CBS and Associated Press, VERBATIM: “The American Medical Association on Tuesday called for an immediate ban on all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices that don't meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval as cessation tools, citing a surge in underage teen use of the products as well as the recent outbreak in lung illnesses. But so far, none of the products have been reviewed or approved for that use by the FDA. The group adopted the sweeping stance at a policy-making meeting in San Diego. It aims to lobby for state and federal laws, regulations or legal action to achieve a ban, but the industry is sure to fight back.” READ: https://cbsn.ws/2pJK3oI
TOMORROW: From Alex Leary via The Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “President Trump is scheduled to meet with vaping-industry and medical officials on Friday, as he considers a ban on flavored e-cigarettes that has stirred opposition. ‘Participants will include a diverse group of advocacy, industry, non-profits, medical associations, and state officials,’ the White House said in a statement.” READ: https://on.wsj.com/2KJ8c5R
FLAVORS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration sidestepped questions on the future of a 2-month-old proposal to ban most flavored e-cigarettes. Dr. Stephen Hahn told Senate lawmakers that a recent wave of underage vaping is an ‘urgent, important crisis’ and demands ‘aggressive action.’ But he said he wants to review more data before deciding on an approach.” READ: http://bit.ly/2qz0Gnl
MINNESOTA: Via Minnesota Department of Health, as of Wednesday there were 119 confirmed or probable cases of vaping-associated lung injuries and another 28 under review. Three people have died. SEE: http://bit.ly/2kNbs6u
SMOKING: From Jason Howland via Mayo Clinic News Network, VERBATIM: “While the cigarette smoking rate in the U.S. has dropped significantly in the past 50 years, from 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2017, millions of Americans still smoke. The Great American Smokeout on Nov. 21 is an opportunity for those people to start the journey toward a smoke-free life.” WATCH: https://mayocl.in/2O9CQaX
LUNGCANCER: From Jeff Lagasse via Healthcare Finance, VERBATIM: “Genetically targeted drugs and immunotherapies are transforming the way many forms of lung cancer are treated. But a University of Colorado Cancer Center study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that while the use of these drugs rose 27% from 2007 to 2015, new, high-cost lung cancer drugs are not used equally in all places, with all patients. Patients who lived in high-poverty areas were 4% less likely to be treated with high-cost lung cancer drugs. On the other hand, patients treated at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers were 10% more likely to be given these drugs than were patients treated in other settings. The findings suggest that in addition to the socioeconomic disparity in the use of these drugs, the fact that they are used more often at NCI-designated cancer centers also implies a disparity between treatment centers that are research-oriented and those that are not.” READ: http://bit.ly/2rcXeyQ
6,000+: Over 6,000 people have downloaded the Fluence Forum, an hour-long deep dive a critical issue of our community. The topic of the first one was the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement. Joined by labor, business and Native community leaders we discussed the impact the $2.6 billion project will have on Minnesota. You can listen to the forum here. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/2PIjBUR
NEXT: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
INSURANCE: From Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Insurance solutions firm North Risk Partners has partnered with Housing First Minnesota to launch an association health plan (AHP) through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) for those involved in residential homebuilding. Housing First Minnesota, which represents nearly 1,100 housing industry builders, remodelers, developers and suppliers throughout the state, is serving as the plan sponsor. Eligible members of Housing First Minnesota will be able to sign up for comprehensive insurance benefits at favorable rates through Blue Cross, Minnesota’s largest health insurer.” READ: https://prn.to/2KLjXJg
If you like podcasts, listen to Beers with Blois...http://bit.ly/BWBLISTEN
TABKE: Episode #23 of Beers with Blois, from Badger Hill Brewing in Shakopee first-term Rep. Brad Tabke discusses politics in a swing district, surprises in his first term, and transportation. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/beerswBlois23 (SPONSORED: MN Corn Growers and North Central Carpenters Union)
COHEN: From Dual Citizen brewery Sen. Dick Cohen talks about major legislation he's helped pass and current dynamics within the Senate including his challenge from fmr. Rep. Erin Murphy. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/beerswblois22 (SPONSORED: MN Corn Growers and North Central Carpenters Union)
BEERS: Beers with Blois at Utepils with Rep. Jeremy Munson. Munson talks health care, starting a new caucus and his idea for a new bill for elections and open legislative seats. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois21 (SPONSORED: MN Corn Growers and North Central Carpenters Union)
GAROFALO: State Representative Pat Garofalo talks about a bipartisan idea for legalizing marijuana, a new outline for structuring bonding, and of course, sports betting in Minnesota. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeersWBlois20
PRATT: State Sen. Eric Pratt while rumored to be considering a candidacy for Congress against Rep. Angie Craig, Pratt announces he’ll run for re-election to the State Senate. Over a Pacifico, he discusses his leadership on passing bi-partisan wage theft legislation and pushback he received from people in his own party. Pratt discusses how he has approached trying to find a solution on the emergency insulin issue with DFLers. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois19 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers and North Central Carpenters Union )
SMITH: From Wild Minds Ales in South Minneapolis, Sen. Tina Smith talks about the culture of the U.S. Senate and who sits with who at lunch, how her marketing background changes the way she views traveling the state and meeting with people. She also shares early thoughts on her 2020 re-election campaign and what’s she’s learning about new currency on the Financial Services Committee. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois16 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
CARNAHAN: At the Republican Party booth, over a “Beer-garita”, from Tejas at the Minnesota State Fair, State GOP Chair Jennifer Carnahan talks about how President Trump’s campaign has invested unprecedented resources in Minnesota for a Presidential race. Carnahan also discusses the what’s at stake in the Minnesota Senate and how she grew into her role as a political outsider. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois17 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
MCCOLLUM: From Burning Brothers brewery in St. Paul, Rep. Betty McCollum brings us to our first gluten-free brewery and discusses the dynamics of being back in the majority and the Minnesota delegation. She shares her views on copper-nickel mining in Northern Minnesota, her role as the chair of an appropriations committee. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois15 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
CRAIG: Rep. Angie Craig drinks a local IPA with Blois and discusses what constituents are concerned about as she represents a district that President Donald Trump won in 2016, but Craig won in 2018. Talking about her plans for 2020, Craig shares how she’s approached meeting with lobbyists, what farmers have been telling her, and her work with Rep. Pete Stauber. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/beerswblois14
QUALLS: Republican challenger in Minnesota's Third Congressional District Kendall Qualls sits down at the Rock Elm Tavern in Plymouth for a cold one. Qualls discusses why he decided to run for Congress, issues he thinks he can make a difference on and where he thinks Rep. Dean Phillips hasn't delivered. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois13 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
CARTER: At the Allianz Field Beer Hall, Mayor Melvin Carter shares his priorities for St. Paul neighborhoods and residents. From major redevelopment opportunities on the riverfront, the Ford Plant and in Midway to what he’s learned during ride-alongs with police in the city. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/2Ytdprr
HAGEDORN: From Beers with Blois over some different Schell’s brewed beers at Crooked Pint in Fairbault, Rep. Jim Hagedorn joins Blois to discuss how Chinese trade has impacted the first district, his support of President Donald Trump, and what businesses and the agriculture community is concerned about as he travels the first district. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois11 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
DULUTH: In episode #10 of Beers with Blois, from Hoops Brewing in Canal Park, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson discusses how Duluth residents voted for higher taxes for infrastructure with over 70 percent of the vote, what the city is doing to address making housing more accessible, and why she’s taking the lead on pushing the EPA to study hydrogen fluoride after a refinery explosion in Superior, WI. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois10 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
BENSON: In episode #9 of Beers with Blois, from Invectis Brewery in Blaine, Beers with Blois catches up with State Sen. Michelle Benson on potential ways to split-up DHS and forthcoming prescription drug reform legislation. She shares the perspective on how physicians in the Senate influence legislation and what her plan is for re-election in 2020. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois9
(Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
CHEERS: Rep. Tom Emmer sits down with host Blois Olson and talks about his hobby of brewing beer and his beer tracking app, Rep. Ilhan Omar’s relationship with the Minnesota delegation and on Congress failure of doing its job since the 1990’s because of a lack of leadership. He also had a few things to say about hockey parents and what people are think about Trump in his district.” LISTEN: http://bit.ly/2WT4euR (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
iTunes: Beers with Blois is now on iTunes, SUBSCRIBE: https://apple.co/2Mi3q2o
WHITEHOUSE: via Beers with Blois, Rep. Dean Phillips VERBATIM: “That hour I spent in the White House Situation Room with the President was eye opening." In addition, Phillips shares insights on how they share thoughts this weekend in the Problem Solvers Caucus trip to the border, as well as his plans for 2020.” LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois8 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
NEU: The Lindstrom Bakery and Deputy House Minority Leader Anne Neu joins Blois to discuss Gov. Tim Walz role in the budget negotiations, Trump’s influence in the 2020 elections and how Minnesota DFLers are starting to look like DC Democrats on “radical” proposals. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois5 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
FREY: Using some blue language Mayor Jacob Frey introduces Blois to actual beer at La Doña, a cervezaria near where the Minnesota United Soccer stadium was going to be. Frey on his relationship with Chief Medaria Arradondo and how often they talk on the phone. LISTEN: http://bit.ly/BeerswBlois4 (Sponsored by Minnesota Corn Growers and the North Central States Carpenters Union)
via MORNING TAKE: Begin your day with political news via morning take
from Fluence Media. Sign up here to receive it in your InBox. SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/joinmorningtak
POT: via the Mankato Free Press, VERBATIM: “Democrats are intent on starting a conversation about legalizing marijuana at the Minnesota Legislature next year, even if a bill wouldn’t clear the GOP-controlled Senate…House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler and local DFL lawmakers told area residents as such Wednesday night at a forum on cannabis at Gustavus Adolphus College. CONSIDINE: “I don’t believe (Senate Republicans) will actually budge one inch,” Rep. Jack Considine, DFL-Mankato, said…Yet a group of about 40 area residents, advocates from the Twin Cities and opponents of cannabis legalization who attended the meeting agreed the state should update some of its laws concerning marijuana..People largely agreed Minnesota should expand its medical marijuana laws, which are among the most stringent regulations in the U.S. And many agreed non-violent marijuana misdemeanors should be expunged. But not everyone agreed marijuana should be legalized.” READ: http://bit.ly/2XxC5LE
POT: via MPR News, VEBRATIM: “Two former Colorado public officials, initially opposed to legalized marijuana, shared advice this week with Minnesota lawmakers and others about what to consider if the drug’s status changes here…They were in Minnesota at the invitation of state House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, the DFL legislator leading a marijuana legalization drive…One purpose of their visit was to talk through concerns about recreational marijuana and regulatory considerations if Minnesota moves ahead.. Winkler said he and other advocates of a broader legal marijuana structure will release a set of regulatory principles in a few weeks as they craft a bill for consideration next session. Majority Democrats in the House intend to advance such a bill, but Republicans who lead the Senate are on record against making marijuana legal for non-medicinal use.” READ: http://bit.ly/2QC2YMX
FRIDAY: via advisory from SEIU, VERBATIM: “On Friday, November 22nd, Governor Tim Walz will spend time working side by side with Deb, a Twin Cities home care worker and member of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota as she provides care for her client Jay in his St. Paul home. The event will be a chance for Governor Walz to experience firsthand the challenging, intimate and important work done every day by home care workers that allows Minnesota seniors and people with disabilities to stay in their homes. In a separate event that day, Lt. Gov. Flanagan will also be working alongside a home care worker in Minneapolis.”
via BUSINESS TAKE: Subscribe to Business Take ---- Daily before noon making you smarter for lunch. SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/biztakemt2
MEDTRONIC: From Sean Whooley via Mass Device, VERBATIM: “Medtronic outgoing CEO Omar Ishrak said on the company’s latest earnings call that his successor Geoff Martha is poised to prosper in the role, having already taken over as president and being given a seat on the board this month. The Fridley, Minn.–based company announced in August that Martha would take over for Ishrak, who will leave his current role ahead of Medtronic’s mandatory retirement age.” READ: http://bit.ly/2OnYlmY
|
|
|
|
