MA expansion: Where do the candidates for governor stand?
MPR has a story this morning that said the candidates for governor are making a plan to shift low income Minnesotans from two state health programs into a federal program. Both of the endorsed candidates for governor, DFLer Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Republican Tom Emmer, are talking about the issue on the campaign trail.
Here's where all of the candidates stand on whether to opt in to Medical Assistance.
Margaret Anderson Kelliher (Democrat): Supports it. She argues that Minnesota stands to gain roughly $1.4 billion in federal matching funds if the state spends an extra $188 million.
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Mark Dayton (Democrat): Supports it. He initially raised concerns about the added cost but said on Monday that he supports the idea.
Tom Emmer (Republican): Opposes it. Emmer calls the MA expansion "Obamacare" and said Minnesota should have control over how its state health programs are run.
Matt Entenza (Democrat): Supports it. He argues that failing to enroll in MA means hospitals across the state would be forced to increase charity care to treat low income individuals.
Tom Horner (Independence Party): Supports it. He said the state should opt in to MA and then work to solve any problems with it. Horner also said hospitals would be forced to increase charity care under the current system.