House, Senate pass GAMC bill

A compromise between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislators on how to provide basic medical services to an estimated 35,000 low-income Minnesotans awaits action by the governor.

The bill was passed 121-12 by the House March 24 and 50-12 by the Senate the same day.

Sponsored by Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls), HF802/ SF460* proposes a replacement for General Assistance Medical Care. Beginning June 1, the GAMC population would be served under partnerships of hospitals and clinics — so called “coordinated care delivery systems.” These systems would receive state reimbursement for their care of GAMC patients, but at significantly reduced rates. Hospitals choosing not to participate could receive temporary funding through November.

The current GAMC program is scheduled to end April 1. Under the reform bill, providers would be paid on a fee-for-service basis during the month before the implementation of coordinated care.

On the House floor, lawmakers praised Murphy and Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood) for leading a bipartisan effort to find a solution.

“I think it’s important for the people of Minnesota to understand that when we are faced with incredibly challenging issues, this body can work, this process can work for the people that our programs serve and for the people that pay the bills,” said Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria).

Murphy reiterated what the reform bill would mean for people “who live in the shadows of our society.”

“We have said, ‘You still matter to us and even though we don’t have a lot of money, we’re going to make sure that you get the care that you need.’”

Legislators were also realistic about the bill’s shortcomings, particularly the effect on health care providers. Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) said the proposal is underfunded to the point where some reforms may not work.

Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) was among a handful of Democrats who voted against the legislation, saying the governor had downsized the proposal to the point of being “unworkable.”

“Members, by passing this bill today, we are giving into a governor who holds good policy hostage like a playground bully,” Thissen said.

Murphy successfully amended the bill to include technical language recommended by the Department of Human Services and agreed upon by the governor.