SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Early Saturday morning, the Minnesota House approved the final, bipartisan compromise version of the Omnibus Health and Human Services budget that protects health care for Minnesotans, including the funding for 1.2 million people’s health care.
“House DFLers have worked all session to ensure all Minnesotans can get the health care they need for a price they can afford. This budget protects health care for more than a million Minnesotans,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), Chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Division. “Senate Republicans blocked very important initiatives to strengthen health care in Minnesota, including provisions to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. I remain committed to solutions to decrease cost, increase access, and improve the health of Minnesotans.”
Facing a June 30, 2019 sunset, House DFLers were successful in maintaining the funding stream for the state’s Health Care Access Fund. This revenue – a tax on health care services enacted 27 years ago – has funded MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance, and other health programs. House DFLers were also successful in maintaining dental and vision coverage for low-income Minnesotans, and the budget makes the first increase in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) in 33 years. Continue reading “Minnesota House approves new Health and Human Services Budget”