To ease financial strain, Minnesota is at the forefront of a growing number of states testing a new Medicaid payment system. It rewards hospitals and physician groups holding down costs by keeping enrollees healthy. Under this arrangement, those health care providers are asked to do more than just treat medical issues such as diabetes and heart disease. They are called on to address the underlying social issues — such as homelessness, lack of transportation, and poor nutrition — that can cause and exacerbate health problems. (Kaiser Health News by Phil Galewitz)
