Buying Health Care
Consumer Tips

- The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) lists information on health plans and coverage, including commonly asked questions about buying insurance, health plan networks, and appealing coverage decisions. Consumers can also visit this site to learn more about patient access to health records, licensure and registration of health care providers, and mental health.

- The Minnesota Council of Health Plans is a non-profit organization that offers health cost, quality and insurance information to consumers, the media, legislators and health plans.

- This August 2005 report, sponsored by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and Consumers Union, provides information to consumers on the processes for resolving coverage disputes with private health plans.

- The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) offers consumer quality checklists for evaluating health plans, hospitals, long-term care and other health care services.

- The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers practical tips on health plans, prevention and wellness, prescriptions and other health care topics to help consumers make better health care choices. Available in English and Spanish.

- Offers patients three simple questions they can ask at health care visits. It also has a patient checklist and information to help patients and their families better communicate with health professionals.

- The U.S. Treasury Department addresses frequently asked questions about Health Savings Accounts (HSA), which consumers can use in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance policy to set aside money for current and future health care spending. Consumers can learn more about HSA eligibility and contributions, and view model accounts.

- The Minnesota Department of Commerce offers information on medical insurance for consumers looking for affordable health insurance. This site provides resources on Medicare, private insurance, long-term care insurance and other public programs.

- The Minnesota Department of Health offers consumer information on the patient bill of rights, health care provider directory/statistics, advanced directives, filing a complaint, and long-term care. The patient bill of rights is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Russian, and Laotian.

- The National Institute of Aging (NIA) developed tips for consumers about planning ahead for long-term care, finding the right facilities, and making a smooth transition. NIA also provides links to several resources, organizations and agencies to help consumers select appropriate long-term care services.

- The Minnesota Department of Commerce created these resources to help Minnesotans understand the basics of purchasing long-term care insurance.

- The Hospice Association of America provides consumer information about hospice care, including consumer guides, fact sheets, historical perspectives and other background information.

- NADSA offers consumer guidelines and an easy-to-use, complete checklist for choosing a quality adult day center.