MINNEAPOLIS, November 20, 2008—The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking public input on what types of health plan activities should be considered “of community benefit” for the purpose of determining their nonprofit status.

Specifically, the department seeks comments on what, if any, standards should be put in place for uniform reporting of community benefit; and what, if any, mechanisms should be in place to establish accountability for community benefit.

The 2008 Legislature required the Minnesota Department of Health to conduct a study of community benefit standards for Minnesota nonprofit health plan companies.

The study is due to the Minnesota Legislature on January 15, 2009. Comments are due to the Minnesota Department of Health by December 8, 2008.

For details and contact information, please see www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/cbs/index.html.