Yesterday, a bill to restore coverage to General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) participants (SF 2168) was passed by passed overwhelmingly by the Senate (47-16) and House (125-9) before being vetoed by the Governor. A vote to override the Governor’s veto is expected to take place on Monday, but there is concern the override attempt will not have bipartisan support. Without funding to extend the program, GAMC coverage will end on April 1st, 2010. MPHA’s position: MPHA passed a resolution in 2004, outlining the principles regarding universal health care coverage supported by our organization. These principles include: 1. Universal coverage for everyone in the United States and in Minnesota. 2. Comprehensive benefits including health maintenance, preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services for all types of illnesses and health conditions. 3. Elimination of financial barriers to care. 4. Financing based on ability to pay. What you can do: Call your representative today and let him/her know you an MPHA member concerned about the impact of cutting the GAMC program. Let your representative know this program provides coverage to Minnesotans with some of the highest health care needs in the state, and who would otherwise be unable to pay for the health care services they need. Encourage your representatives to ensure Minnesotans do not lose their health care coverage by voting to override this veto. For more information: Link to this Star Tribune article Find out how to contact your State representatives |