Minn. lands $187M under federal health care law

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's push to involve Minnesota in the federal health care overhaul has resulted in a $187.4 million grant to keep elderly and disabled Medicaid patients out of institutional care.

Federal and state human services agencies announced the funding on Tuesday. Minnesota is one of 13 states to get the demonstration grant under the health care law, and landed the largest amount.

The state went after the grant after Dayton took office and reversed Republican predecessor Tim Pawlenty's order directing state agencies to avoid discretionary participation in the health care law.

State Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson says the grant will help some of Minnesota's most vulnerable residents.

The grant is spread over five years. Minnesota is due to get $13.4 million in the first year.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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