The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) announced February 21 that Minnesota was the winner of a $45 million State Innovation Model grant to help drive Minnesota's efforts to provide better care at a lower cost. Minnesota was one of six states to receive the highest level of the award.
Minnesota's winning grant proposal was for its Minnesota Accountable Health Model. The goal of this model is to ensure that every citizen of the state of Minnesota has the option to receive team-based, coordinated, patient-centered care that increases and facilitates access to medical care, behavioral health care, long term care, and other services. By 2016, nearly 3 million Minnesotans are expected to receive care through the model. The model is projected to save $111 million over three years and lay the foundation for additional savings in years to come.
Minnesota will use the $45 million to invest in health information technology, quality and performance measurement, improved care coordination and up to 15 Accountable Communities for Health. The goal is to have these accountable communities for health develop models that integrate care across the health care system. Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson and Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger in consultation with a community advisory committee will lead the implementation of the project.
