Senate committee examines Medicaid changes impacting chiropractic care access for low-income patients

The Minnesota Senate's Committee on Health and Human Services convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding healthcare access and fiscal implications of proposed changes to Medicaid services. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the potential removal of chiropractic care for low-income individuals over the age of 21, as outlined in the governor's proposal.

Senator Abler initiated the discussion by questioning the fiscal note associated with the proposal, which suggested that eliminating chiropractic services would not lead to patients seeking alternative care. He expressed skepticism about this assumption, emphasizing that many patients would likely turn to physical therapists or emergency services, thus incurring additional costs. Abler argued that the fiscal analysis failed to account for the substitution effect, where patients would seek other forms of treatment if chiropractic care were unavailable.

Mr. Reyes, who was present to address the fiscal note, acknowledged the complexity of the proposal, which included various components such as therapeutic exercises and expanded manual manipulation services. However, he could not provide clarity on the specific impacts of removing chiropractic care from the Medicaid program.

Senator Abler further stressed the importance of considering the overall cost of care, noting that studies indicate increased chiropractic visits can lead to reduced healthcare expenses. He urged the committee to recognize the potential savings that could arise from allowing chiropractors to offer more comprehensive services, thereby reducing the need for other healthcare interventions.

The discussion also touched on ethical considerations, with Abler highlighting the plight of low-income patients who may be deprived of effective treatment options. He called for a more thorough examination of the proposal's implications on patient choice and access to care.

Senator Mann contributed to the dialogue by expressing concerns about the implications of for-profit healthcare, suggesting that it could negatively impact patient care. Senator Lisky echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to long-standing healthcare providers for Medicaid and Minnesota Care patients.

The meeting concluded with a call for further analysis of the fiscal implications and a commitment to ensuring that healthcare policies prioritize patient access and choice. The committee plans to revisit these discussions in future sessions to address the concerns raised and explore potential solutions.