How is the state handling the increase in MinnesotaCare applications?

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

There's been a substantial increase in the number of Minnesotans relying on MinnesotaCare. The state health care plan for the poor has seen a 25 percent increase in applications this year, and a more dramatic spike in July.

As employers lay off workers, more and more people are looking to the state for their health care coverage. This has resulted in a backlog of up to 8 weeks for processing applications.

Cal Ludeman is the Comissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and he joined Tom Crann for more on the situation.

For a list of organization partnering with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to help people fill out state health care program applications, go here.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 09/02/2009, 4:45 p.m.