All Minnesotans deserve access to quality and affordable health care. The Minnesota Chamber's initiatives parallel the underlying principle of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Smart Buy Alliance: Build quality and affordability by changing purchasing and consumer behaviors. Our focus is providing practical tips on how businesses can incorporate these principles into their purchasing decisions and educate their employees so that everyone becomes health care shoppers, not just consumers.

Health care costs are an enormous burden on business and show little sign of slowing without corrective action. Minnesotans spent $25.5 billion on health care in 2004. The Midwest Business Group on Health estimates that 30 percent of all direct health care outlays are the result of poor quality care - consisting primarily of overuse, misuse and waste.