Gov. task force meets on improving state health care

The Governor's task force to improve Minnesota's health care system met for the first time Monday.

The group is charged with finding new ways to deliver better quality health care at a lower price, and make recommendations to the governor.

One of the group's members, said it is important to challenge the health plans to set concrete goals to hold down costs and improve care:

"Families see real numbers when they have to find money for their premium share for their out of pockets," said Pete Benner, a task force member and a former public union leader. "And it's important that we be asking the health plans and the provider community that they have equally real markers to improve the quality of care and to reduce the cost of care."

The 17-member group also includes representatives from major health systems, employers and unions. The group is one of two health task forces the governor has established — the other is focused on developing a health insurance exchange required by the federal health law.

A state website is available with information for the public to learn about the task force's efforts on improving the health care system.