In
this issue
MHA
comments on proposed rule to expand factors used in public charge
determinations and immigration status
MHA submitted comments to the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) expressing concerns about its proposed rule broadening the factors used in
public charge determinations, meaning whether a legal immigrant would become
primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. The proposed rule would
lower the threshold for public charge determinations from “primarily dependent”
to “likely to receive a public benefit” and expand the list of public benefits
considered to include Medicaid, the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy Program,
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and housing assistance.
The proposed rule could affect a legal immigrant’s future immigration status,
such as ability to get a green card, become a citizen or change visa status,
based on their receipt of public benefits.
The proposed rule will likely jeopardize access to health services for legal
immigrants across Minnesota, threatening the health of individuals and public
health. Increasing barriers to accessing health care increases the risk of poor
health outcomes, such as preventable disease outbreaks. Additionally, delayed
care often exacerbates medical conditions, leading to sicker patients and
higher reliance on hospital emergency departments. Delayed care also increases
health care costs.
Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems could see a reduction of $157 million
in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) payments. The
estimated loss in Medicaid and CHIP payments would disproportionately fall on
Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems that provide care for the largest
number of vulnerable patient populations.
MHA believes immigrant families should not feel they must choose between future
immigration status and their ability to meet basic needs by accessing health
care, healthy food and adequate housing.
With questions, contact Briana Nord Parish, director of policy, MHA,
651-603-3498. return to top
2019
Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant Program application deadline extended
to Jan. 25
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is soliciting grant
proposals from Minnesota rural hospitals to update, remodel or replace aging
hospital facilities and equipment. MHA initially published this
application opportunity in the Dec. 3 issue of Newsline.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) was revised as of
Dec. 13 with the following changes:
- The deadline for submitting
applications has been extended to Jan. 25, 2019. Information on this new
deadline can be found on pages 1 and 9 of the RFP. Application submissions
may be made using one of three different methods described on pages 9 and
10 in the RFP. Please note that Jan. 25 is the absolute deadline, not
“postmarked” on the envelope if using the U.S. Post Office or a next-day
delivery service.
- The Competitive Bidding Form
has been updated to correct a bullet alignment.
- The Due Diligence Form is now
available for download on the Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant
Program webpage. This form is required for all
nonprofit applicants of MDH’s grants. Submit only one copy of the
form with your application.
Approximately $1.75 million is available. Applicants may
apply for grants of up to $125,000.
Eligible applicants for this grant program are nonfederal, not-for-profit,
general acute care hospitals with 50 or fewer beds that are located in a rural
area or in a community with a population of less than 15,000 and are outside
the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.
For information and assistance, contact Lina Jau,
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, MDH, 651-201-3809. return to top
Next
issue of Newsline will be published Jan. 7
Newsline will not appear Dec. 24 or 31. The next
issue of Newsline will be published on Jan. 7. return to top