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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
NORTON PROTECTS NURSING HOMES, FIXES INSURANCE LOOPHOLE FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM
ST. PAUL, MN – Facing a $994 million budget shortfall, the Minnesota House passed an omnibus Health and Human Services bill last night (HF2614) that reduces the deficit by $164 million this year. The bill sets clear priorities; reducing spending in many areas while increasing funding for nursing homes and long-term care facilities. It also protects Minnesota hospitals from any cuts this year, but does reduce hospital funding in the out-years.
“We are looking at nothing but difficult choices and very scarce resources," said state Rep. Kim Norton (DFL – Rochester), who voted for the bill. “By making needed reforms and setting clear priorities, this bill protects some of the state’s most vulnerable people – those who need our compassion and resourcefulness more than ever – to the extent possible given the times.”
The House made far fewer cuts than Governor Pawlenty proposed for mental health programs, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and the disabled.
In addition, a bill (HF0359) authored by Rep. Norton was included in the omnibus bill that will close an insurance loophole for Minnesota children with autism. The provision requires that insurers cover children with autism spectrum disorders, and stipulates that health plans cannot drop or deny coverage to kids with autism. Norton has been working on the legislation since 2007.
“I am very pleased with the House’s position. This is a big victory for Minnesota families who struggle with autism every day,” said Rep. Norton. “They are fighting the odds every day, living with a difficult disorder. They shouldn’t have to fight their insurance company too.”
Minnesota currently has the highest incidence of autism in the country. In fact, one in 81 children born in Minnesota is diagnosed with autism – that’s twice the national rate. Many Somali immigrant children are affected to an even greater degree, and the bill contains language to address this over the interim.
HF2614 also takes advantage of new federal health care reforms passed by Congress several months ago, leveraging $1 billion in federal funding. It does so by opting-in early to an expanded federal Medical Assistance (MA) program, replacing a General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) bill passed earlier this session. The program would adequately reimburse Minnesota hospitals for uncompensated care, and provide coverage for all GAMC enrollees.
Early in session the House passed $312 million in cuts to 10 specific budget areas. A federal jobs bill is expected to send another $408 million to Minnesota in the coming weeks to fill the remaining budget gap.
The omnibus health care bill is now on its way to conference committee. Lawmakers will know soon whether the conservative cost enhancements and revenue generating concepts are acceptable to the Senate and Governor. Norton says the goal is to finish on-time with a balanced budget and is supporting a conference committee report that will help assure that happens. As negotiations begin, she will work to that end.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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