MINNESOTA — Minnesota’s health insurance exchange is extending this year’s open enrollment period. Signups for shoppers to buy coverage for 2018 on their own begins November 1. President Trump’s administration shortened the open enrollment period to last just six weeks and end December 15. But MNsure has announced that it has secured an extension to allow signups to continue…
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesotans who buy health insurance on their own may see slight premium hikes or even some price drops next year. State regulators announced preliminary rates for next year that range from a 15 percent decrease to an 11 percent bump compared to premiums in 2017. Those rates vary widely by insurer and may change by…
FARGO, ND — It’s the first day of operations at the new Sanford Medical Center and the hospital has already delivered its first baby, a little more than an hour after the doors opened. Meet Kadyn Reynolds: the fourth child of Christine and Shaun Reynolds of Fargo. They said Kadyn is more than seven weeks early and has a rare…
FARGO, ND — People in Fargo helped patients get the medical equipment they need by buying a pint. Many craft beer connoisseurs poured into Fargo Brewing Company where a dollar from every drink is given to HERO throughout the day. HERO is a non-profit which collects used medical supplies like wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. Its executive director says the group…
NATIONAL — If you eat papayas, the CDC issued a warning on one brand that is being linked to a salmonella outbreak in at least 12 states, including Minnesota. The FDA said the outbreak is linked to the Caribena brand of Maradol papayas. At least 47 people have become sick and at least one person has died from the…
FARGO, ND — Anyone can buy a drone. It’s as simple as going on Amazon and having it delivered to your doorstep the next day. While it can be easy to get them in your hands, not everyone knows the rules. It’s posing a threat for some pilots. “There’s a 400–foot rule whether you’re doing it commercially or for your…
OAKDALE, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health is offering financial help to a suicide prevention hotline expected to shut down. The state’s hotline, operated by Canvas Health of Oakdale, says the state can’t afford to lose their service due to heightened suicide rates. The department will provide $139,000 to keep the hotline open until at least September 29th….
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — Two more Minnesota women face charges in a large Medicaid fraud case. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson has filed a lawsuit against a Brooklyn Center woman and her daughter for bilking $929,000 in Medical Assistance funding from the state. It follows charges earlier this week against Lillian Richardson and six accomplices in a $7.7 million…
HENNEPIN COUNTY, Minn. — Health officials have confirmed an additional case of measles in Minnesota. The new case is associated with the measles outbreak that has been occurring mainly in Hennepin County since late March. The newest case is an unvaccinated man who lives in Hennepin County. Officials say the man visited several public locations in Hennepin, Ramsey and…
NATIONAL — The company behind “Coco Loko” is marketing it by calling it an “endorphin rush” and that it gives you “calm focus”, but a lawmaker is calling on the FDA to investigate the product. Coco Loko is a chocolate powder you can snort and is laced with many of the stimulants also found in energy drinks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck…
