Senate Republicans passed $200 million to fund the state healthcare system’s needs for hospitals, eldercare facilities, EMS, clinics, and pharmacies responding to COVID-19 cases. Representatives from key areas weighed in and national recommendations were considered during the process. The bill passed with unanimous support from the Senate and the House.

After an initial funding approval of $21 million last week, the new legislation provides $50 million to nursing homes, long-term care centers, paramedics, and other health care facilities and teams.

“Our healthcare system is one of the best in the nation because of dedicated people committed to providing excellent care to their fellow Minnesotans,” said Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth). “With this funding, we are simply getting them the critical tools they need to do what they do best. As the number of hospitalizations begin to ramp up, we remain incredibly grateful for their continued care.”

The bill also develops an oversight board to advise the Minnesota Department of Health of statewide needs, and no one without insurance will be charged for COVID-19 screening, testing, or treatment in facilities that use the funds.

The Senate’s plan is to assist key individuals who may contract COVID-19 as they care for people with the disease through screening, testing, and treatment. The funds can be used to purchase personal protection supplies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, renovate rooms into specialty care, or purchase life-saving equipment. The dollars give facilities flexibility to be used for supplies or equipment, and there are accountability measures in place so they are only used for COVID-19 related costs.

For more information on Coronavirus:

Minnesota Department of Health: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/

Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) represents Senate District 44, which includes the cities of Plymouth, Minnetonka, and Woodland. He is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education Finance and Policy and serves on the Taxes and E-12 Education Committees.