Minnesota healthcare bill passes key hurdle

A bill that would make major changes in Minnesota healthcare has received preliminary approval in the state Senate, but there is a deep divide among politicians that could make for rough negotiations ahead. Under the measure, providers would make their fees public, and standard benefit sets would allow consumers to compare care and prices. If the bill is passed, the state would also monitor children's obesity levels, and chronic diseases could be managed through nurse phone calls as well as doctor visits.