Maybe it's all in the packaging. Everybody understands that Medicaid is running out of money and something has to be done.
Local control is undoubtedly part of the solution.
Problem is, we local officials have had precious little opportunity to offer ideas and alternatives up front. The numbers are pretty stark. In- and outpatient care, nursing home care, home health care, children's health care, and rural health clinics. The people who receive Medicaid are the poor elderly, children, parents and disabled. Overall, Uncle Sam pays 54 cents out of every Minnesota Medicaid dollar.