A community health center that services nine counties in south-central Minnesota would receive $350,000, under a bill laid over March 18 for possible inclusion in the House Health Care and Human Services Finance Division omnibus bill.
HF2937, sponsored by Rep. Kathy Brynaert (DFL-Mankato), would allow the human services commissioner to transfer funds to the Open Door Health Center in Mankato to “act as bridge funding to meet the demand for health care services in medically underserved areas.”
Brynaert said the clinic works to fill community health care gaps where state services can’t meet needs. According to the Minnesota Association of Community Health Care Centers, of the 3,000 patients the clinic serves, about 80 percent are uninsured.
The center’s Web site says it offers dental and medical services, such as physical examinations, immunizations, pediatric services and check ups. It serves the counties of: Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca and Watonwan.
A companion bill, SF2631, sponsored by Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato), awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.
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