Minnesota Governor vetoed legislation that would have expanded access to publicly-sponsored health coverage, saying the bill would not reduce health care costs or improve quality.

Minnesota Governor said that legislation being considered to overhaul the state's health care system should include health savings accounts and tax credits as a way to reduce costs for residents who purchase private health insurance.

The Minnesota House voted 83-50 to approve legislation that would overhaul the state's health care system using money from a fund that helps pay for a subsidized health care program.

The Minnesota Senate voted 41-22 to grant preliminary approval to legislation that would overhaul the state health care system and expand coverage to 47,000 state residents.

Minnesota lawmakers this week are expected to approve legislation that is expected to reduce health care spending in the state by 20% by 2015 and extend coverage to an additional 47,000 residents.

Minnesota to require all residents to obtain health coverage and that the state use savings from reducing inefficiencies and insurers' administrative costs to extend health coverage to the uninsured.

Minnesota Department of Health and School of Public Health survey shows 7.2 percent of Minnesotans were without health insurance in 2007.

Minnesota Council of Health Plans is launching a $438,000 outreach initiative to identify and enroll residents who are eligible for state programs including MinnesotaCare.