MN Hospital Association targets GOP health cuts

The Minnesota Hospital Association has launched a website and petition in protest of a proposed $1 billion cut to health care programs by House Republicans.

Protect Minnesota Health Care says the cuts would "have a big impact on our state’s quality of life. Without adequate funding, the ability for Minnesota’s hospitals to serve some of the sickest and most vulnerable people in our communities is at stake."

The proposed Republican budget increases health and human services spending over current spending, but it doesn't cover projected demand for services in the coming biennium.

So far, House Republicans have given few details about the cuts, and health care groups are nervous.

But nearly $900 million in savings could come from requiring MinnesotaCare enrollees to buy private health insurance on the state's insurance exchange. MinnesotaCare is a public program for people who make too much money to qualify for Medical Assistance but not enough to buy their own plan or aren't offered coverage through an employer.

The Minnesota Hospital Association says eliminating MinnesotaCare could mean more expensive emergency room visits for some people.

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