Olmsted County Leaders Pen Letter Opposing Proposed Medicaid Reductions

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners is unanimously urging federal leaders to reconsider proposed cuts to medicaid. 

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The elected leaders made their viewpoint known in a letter sent to President Donald Trump and Minnesota’s congressional delegation as national leaders consider a budget reconciliation bill, also known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” 

One provision in the massive piece of legislation would institute work new work requirements for Medicaid recipients. All seven county commissioners signed the letter, which says its written on behalf of Olmsted County residents. 

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Olmsted County Board Calls on President Trump, MN Congressional Delegation to Reconsider Proposed Medicaid Cuts

The letter says the local leaders are concerned the proposed Medicaid reductions will have “devastating results in Olmsted County.”It says 16,000 children were granted access to healthcare through Medicaid last year. 

In Olmsted County, 12,145 children completed checkups, which resulted in 1,185 referrals for speciality care, the letter claims. 

The proposed reduction would not only cause vulnerable residents to lose their Medicaid eligibility, it could also create administrative challenges, the letter says. 

County commissioners indicate the county does not have the staffing resources needed to handle a provision requiring verification every six months that Medicaid recipients are meeting work requirements. 

The letter also says the new requirements will disproportionately impact vulnerable groups. 

Commissioners closed the letter by saying increasing property taxes could be the only option to maintain the ability to provide services to vulnerable residents.