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Minnesota's Busiest Trauma Center Needs Sales Tax
19 Mar
Summary
- Hennepin Healthcare officials urge legislators to pass a sales tax.
- Hospital faces closure this year without state legislative action.
- A sales tax approval is needed for the hospital to remain open.
Hennepin Healthcare officials have presented their case to Minnesota state legislators, advocating for the passage of a sales tax to avert the potential closure of the state's busiest Level 1 trauma hospital.
Leaders emphasized that the hospital, which has already eliminated five departments but preserved its trauma, hyperbaric, and burn centers, faces an uncertain future. They warned that without legislative action during the current session, the hospital could close its doors as early as this year.
The financial strain on Hennepin Healthcare is attributed to an increase in uninsured patients, a reduction in Medicaid funding, and the cessation of operations by Ucare, a major payer. State lawmakers are being urged to approve a sales tax, also known as the ballpark tax, as Hennepin County requires state authorization to enact it.
Testimony from other healthcare leaders highlighted the regional dependency on Hennepin Healthcare, with one CEO stating, "North is not gonna survive without HCMC." Governor Tim Walz has acknowledged the hospital's importance, appointing a public health leader to assist facilities facing dire financial circumstances.
Personal accounts, like that of a former firefighter treated at the hospital's burn center, underscored the life-saving impact of Hennepin Healthcare, with survivors expressing deep gratitude and advocating for its continued operation. Lawmakers reportedly reached a broad consensus on the necessity of saving the hospital.
