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Minnesota House approves repeal of MinnesotaCare eligibility for undocumented adults after heated debate
Summary
The Minnesota House passed House File 1, which removes eligibility for MinnesotaCare for most undocumented adults, after hours of debate and a failed amendment to spare some groups. The vote was 68–65. Supporters cited cost and program sustainability; opponents warned of human and fiscal harms to hospitals, rural care and affected families.
The Minnesota House on a 68–65 vote approved House File 1, a bill that would end MinnesotaCare enrollment for most undocumented adults and bar new enrollments, setting the change to take effect through the program's application rules and timelines.
Supporters said the move is needed to preserve the Health Care Access Fund and prevent a projected budget shortfall, while opponents called the repeal cruel and warned it will increase uncompensated hospital care and harm immigrant families.
The bill was offered for final consideration after a procedural motion to suspend the rules. Representative Niska moved the motion to place the bill on final passage; Representative Backer, the bill’s author, explained that the measure would limit MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented noncitizens and…
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