Healthcare bill clears Minnesota Legislature

A bill changing how healthcare in Minnesota is provided and paid for was approved by the Legislature. The bill would start a statewide campaign to reduce smoking and obesity and offer public data on the quality and costs of doctor and hospital services. The bill would also certify doctors and clinics that provide "medical homes" with comprehensive and coordinated care, and expand eligibility to add about 40,000 people to MinnesotaCare. The bill faces a possible veto when it reaches Gov. Tim Pawlenty, however, who has expressed misgivings.