Last year more than 20,000 students and practicing professionals – nurses, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists and first responders – relied on HCMC for teaching and training programs. Today, these individuals provide outstanding care in cities and towns across Minnesota.
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Each year, more than 3,000 Minnesotans are transported to HCMC – the state’s largest Level 1 trauma center. There they receive life-saving, specialty medical services only available at HCMC. …Learn More
HCMC is the hospital resource center for disaster preparedness and response in the metro area, and developed a plan that details how the Twin Cities’ hospitals share information, resources and staff during a disaster. Additionally, it’s a global migration site for the United States Centers for Disease Control. …Learn More
When hospitals and clinics provide care without receiving payment, cuts have to be made to other services. It may start small with a hospital closing a disease prevention program or clinics shortening hours. Eventually, communities with high rates of uninsured notice overcrowded emergency rooms, limited physician availability and a decline in general community health. …Learn More
The Fallout
In June 2009, the Governor used his line-item veto power to eliminate General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), a state-funded program that provides health care for the uninsured. The reason: to help balance the state budget.
When the change takes affect in April 2010, HCMC and its patients will be dramatically impacted. The uninsured population has grown steadily in recent years and the trend is expected to continue. Without alternate funding, cuts may be made to teaching and training programs, statewide care and disaster preparedness. Additionally, an overall reduction in health care access is anticipated. In one form or another, the fallout will affect residents living in cities and small towns throughout Minnesota.
Is it too late? Absolutely not.
The legislature is discussing this issue now, and the fallout is not certain. However, action must be taken. Legislative representatives need to know Minnesotans demand alternate funding.
We must act now.
You can have a voice. Rallying together and understanding what we all stand to lose will help restore critical funding across Minnesota. This site contains tools to help you spread the word and help let our legislators know that eliminating the GAMC program is not good for Minnesota health care.
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