The Free Press, Mankato, MN

State, national news

February 19, 2013

Dayton signs law expanding Medicaid in Minnesota

Associated Press

— Minnesota has accepted a federal offer to put more low-income people on a state-fashioned Medicaid program with the costs falling to the federal government.

Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday signed a bill authorizing the expansion that affects more than 35,000 people. For instance, childless adults making less than $15,000 a year will be eligible for the government-sponsored Medical Assistance coverage.

Thousands more people who are on the premium-based MinnesotaCare plan will be shifted to the Medical Assistance program.

The Democratic-led Legislature approved the expansion last week. It's connected to the new federal health insurance law, which has caused Republican leaders in other states to balk.

The federal government has committed to paying all extra costs for the first few years. By 2020, the state will have to pay 10 percent.

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