Minn. GAMC program might be saved by health care bill

Minnesota's General Assistance Medical Care program could be saved by the Congressional health care reform deal.

The state's health insurance program for low-income, childless adults is scheduled to end March 1, possibly throwing thousands of people off of the state's health care rolls.

Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have been backing a provision to the federal health care bill that could give Minnesota hundreds of millions of dollars in federal money to save the program.

The deal isn't official. But Franken spokesperson Jess McIntosh said the signs are good.

"I think that everybody understands that this is relief that needs to happen for the states," McIntosh said. "And I think they understand that it's a real priority for both of Minnesota's senators."

Gov. Pawlenty eliminated GAMC last year to help balance the state budget. He said many of the people who will be cut from GAMC will qualify for other state health insurance programs.