Dr. Brett Hart, Vice President of Behavioral Health and Mental Health Parity at Blue Cross, recently joined two state legislators and two healthcare delivery experts to discuss geographic disparities in healthcare access in Minnesota.

The panel was part of the Citizens League’s Mind Opener series – robust, intentional conversations that break through the noise of social media and sensationalized headlines in order to foster deeper understandings of policy issues and potential solutions. The Citizens League is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers people to engage in civic life and public policy to make Minnesota a better place to live and work for everyone.

The panel included:

• Dr. Brett Hart, vice president of behavioral health and mental health parity at Blue Cross
• State Senator Grant Hauschild (D-Hermantown)
• State Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls)
• Dr. Carrie Henning-Smith, Deputy Director, University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
• Ravyn Gibbs, Tribal Liaison, Minnesota Department of Health

Blue Cross in action

The group discussed a variety of current topics that affect Minnesotans in rural areas. Dr. Hart explained how Blue Cross is acting on its mission of ensuring that everyone can achieve their healthiest life, “We make sure our members have access to the largest possible network of providers so that they can get the care they need, when needed, and take action to reduce barriers that stand in the way of that while thinking ahead to the future.”

Issue: Chronic conditions
Situation: Data shows that rural residents are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity, which require ongoing medical attention.
Blue Cross in action: In 2024, we expanded no-cost access to diabetes prevention programs for fully insured commercial members.

Issue: Behavioral Health
Situation: Access to behavioral health services is particularly limited in rural areas, contributing to higher rates of untreated mental health issues.
Blue Cross in action: In September 2024, we pledged $5 million for a new rural behavioral health clinic at Minnesota State University Mankato to train and develop the next generation of mental health professionals for greater Minnesota.