Significant changes in services to the sick as a result of the governor’s recommended budget cuts were translated into real dollars and real people at a pair of House Housing Finance and Policy and Public Health Finance Division meetings.
On Feb. 3, Craig Acomb, chief financial officer for the Department of Health, reported that the budget reveals an increase to shore up prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, a growing problem, particularly in Ramsey and Nobles counties.
However, a $47 million two-year Statewide Health Improvement Program approved last year would be reduced to $24 million over the next four years, leaving only $6 million each year to address obesity and tobacco use issues.
Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) hopes that this part of the governor’s budget does not prevail. “If we’re ever going to get a grip on health care spending, maybe we ought to keep going after it. I don’t think we can wait.”
The next day, stakeholders argued that the reduction will end up costing taxpayers more.
“A reduction in (the Statewide Health Improvement Program) will have long-term ripple effects on other parts of the state budget. We’re going to continue seeing escalating health care costs in other parts of the state budget because of it,” said Julie Ring, director of the Local Public Health Association.
Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids) said the division is going to need to make some difficult choices to solve the budget deficit. “I appreciate the fact that this is one of those programs that is effective, but we’re going to have to become very creative in how we approach this budget deficit.”
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
(view full story)
Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
(view full story)
Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
(view full story)
Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009