Healthcare transparency includes knowing what the cost of your appointment is going to be before you go. Senator Rich Draheim explains, for example, how much does a throat culture cost, or a colonoscopy and are there other fees? Draheim says that’s a good start to the conversation around healthcare. Among lobbyists, the healthcare industry, is, “other than the Teachers Union, they’re the most powerful group. The groups we’ve been working with are the health insurance
people, the providers such as the hospital. clinics group and the Minnesota Chamber”. He DID say, if you ask for an estimate, by law, they do have to give you one but they have 90 days to do so. The original bill Draheim put forth was to allow for 3 days to get an estimate, they negotiated it with lobbyists and landed on 10 days. He added, “but if you can start having a little more transparency and have us as consumers more aware of what it’s going to cost to have things done we can make, hopefully, a better educated decision on when and where we want to have procedures done”. He said they’re always working on balancing how bills affect others. The legislature is off this week, they’ll return April 9th.
Nfld Home & Garden includes much more
All the downtown acronyms are in one place! The NDDC, the NEC, the CVB and the COC, Chamber of Commerce moved to 19 Bridge Square and Chamber President Todd Bornhauser said, “for us, we’re enjoying being all under one roof, it does improve the communication tremendously and, I think, we’re just able to deliver a better product”. Speaking of product and services, the Northfield Home and Garden show is this Saturday! Bornhauser said there will be over 40 vendors with 8 new members. He added the show also includes lifestyle, health and leisure. There are lots of different businesses that participate, adding, “it’s just a great opportunity to get out and meet businesses on a one to one basis”. Are you planning on selling your home? How do you stage it? Ever thought of a robotic lawn mower? Check one out at the Show. Grungy garage floor? Find a way to fix it. There’s lots more and all in one place. KYMN will be out there too. Bornhauser said it’s a great no pressure way to find out about what’s available locally. The show is at the Northfield Arena from 9 to 3 April 7th.
Auxiliary Book Fair to hit a million
The Northfield Hospital Auxiliary has raised well over $900,000 to support the NH&C’s community wellness and healthcare. They’re set to hit the million dollar mark this year with their annual Book Fair! Now in its 57th year, the Book Fair is just about $13,000 from that million mark. Last year they raised a record $65,810 in sales. The Book Fair fills the Northfield Ice Arena with more than 65,000 items, all of them donated by community members. Books,CDs, DVDs, and even vinyl. They’ll be accepting donations from April 9th through the 20th. The sale runs April 24th thru the 28th. Last year, the Auxiliary was able to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for the residents of the Long Term Care Center.
