Latest news with #MHealthFairview
CBS News
a day ago
- Health
- CBS News
Gov. Walz declares "Medicaid and Medicare Day" in Minnesota, highlighting "cruel" impact of funding cuts
Sixty years ago this Wednesday, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the legislation that created Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid provides health insurance for people with low incomes, while Medicare provides health insurance to people 65 and older, regardless of their income. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz declared Wednesday "Medicaid and Medicare Day," and marked the day by discussing the anticipated impacts that President Trump's cuts will have on health care in the state, particularly for those in Greater Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Human Services announced earlier this week an estimated 140,000-plus Minnesotans will lose health insurance due to Mr. Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and health care funding reductions are expected to cost the state more than $1 billion in the first four years. His office also says the changes could "increase out-of-pocket costs for enrollees while straining hospitals and county government with higher administrative burdens." "The pain this is going to cause, and I again, I think there is a strong philosophical and economic argument to be made that our health care system still needs massive reforms, and that there's a potential to try and find savings, this is about the opposite of that," Walz said, alongside several health care providers during a visit to M Health Fairview St. John's Hospital in Maplewood. "This will actually exacerbate all those things. This is a cruel, unneeded piece of legislation that appeals to base emotions, while parting the burden on all the folks that stand up here that provide that care." The president's budget bill cuts more than $1 trillion in Medicaid funding over the next decade, and requires new work requirements for able-bodied recipients. WCCO's Esme Murphy spoke earlier this month with Dr. Tyler Winkelman of Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis, who said half of his hospital's patients — about 95,000 people — are on Medicaid. He says the cuts will cause his hospital to lose $145 million a year in funding, leading to long ER wait times and fewer specialty programs. Also earlier this month, UCare officials said Medicaid cuts will impact about 88,000 of its patients. Last week, Minnesota House Republicans and the state's Republican Congressional Delegation called for an audit of several state Medicaid-related programs amid an FBI investigation into a "massive scheme to defraud" the state's Housing Stabilization Services program. "The people of Minnesota deserve to know where their money is going and why so little has been done to stop this theft," said state Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove. In Wednesday's news conference, Walz also highlighted a new WalletHub report that ranks Minnesota as the third-best state in the nation for health Lisignoli, Esme Murphy and WCCO Staff contributed to this report.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Minnesota baby born with "bubble boy disease" gets life-changing transplant
A farm family from Dennison, Minnesota, received a heartbreaking diagnosis: their unborn son has a rare, deadly genetic disorder. But thanks to a selfless stranger, their baby's story is taking a remarkable turn. Danielle and Nick Haugen learned by a gender reveal flyover that they were having a son. But that joy was soon joined by feelings of anxiety. Decades earlier, Danielle Haugen's brother was diagnosed with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, or SCID. "My brother died from this, and I never really got to meet him," said Danielle Haugen. Also known as "bubble boy disease," the disorder only affects boys. "When you're born with an immune system that doesn't work, you're at incredibly high risk of illness from common infections that other people could handle just fine," said Dr. Christen Ebens, a pediatric bone marrow transplant expert with M Health Fairview. Six months into her pregnancy, Danielle Haugen was tested for SCID. Her unborn son had inherited the same devastating disease. "I'm going to have this baby and he's going to die ... because I just know what my mom and dad knew," said Danielle Haugen. Fortunately, survival rates have come a long way in the last 40 years thanks to newborn screenings and bone marrow transplants, which their son would need. To protect their baby, the Haugens went to work creating their bubble — a huge task with full-time jobs and their 7-and-a-half acre farm. "Basically we just went into high gear and started cleaning the farm up even more, and got rid of all the chickens, got rid of all the pigs," said Nick Haugen. Friends and family held a fundraiser to help the family with bills as they'd be out of work for months. ServiceMaster donated deep cleanings and HS Ultra installed UV lights in their home ductwork, and built a second unit for a friend's home so they could be close to the hospital after his transplant. James Jacob "JJ" Haugen was born on Dec. 30, 2024. In early March, he received a bone marrow transplant. In late June, the Haugens finally returned to their farm. A stranger's bone marrow has given JJ a second chance at life. The Haugens are advocating for everyone to register with NMDP, formerly Be The Match, to see if they can help save a life. "Without our donor, we would not be standing her with our son alive," said Danielle Haugen. "I thank our donor, whoever she is, and I hope to meet her one day for saving JJ's life. Thank you." The Haugens are also looking forward to a day when JJ can play outside with his big sister Brindley, as their lives move forward after gaining a new perspective. "You're only young once," said Nick Haugen. "As much time as we can spend with him and do more travelling with him, and more fishing and hunting instead of work."
CBS News
04-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Mosquitoes with West Nile virus were found in the Twin Cities metro — here's what you need to know
What you need to know about West Nile virus What you need to know about West Nile virus What you need to know about West Nile virus On Thursday, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District said they found mosquitoes in Anoka and Carver counties with West Nile virus. "The mosquito-borne disease risk tends to elevate as we get late into the summer," said Alex Carlson of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. That's why infectious disease experts say precautions are important. "West Nile virus has been circulating in Minnesota for over 20 years," said Dr. Beth Thielen, an infectious disease expert with M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Medical School. "The most common presentation that comes to the hospital is some kind of neurological symptoms." For those who might worry, Thielen says if you get West Nile virus, it's definitely not a death sentence. "Most of the disease is actually not clinically apparent," Thielen said. She says that bug repellants with DEET and picaridin are proven to help you if you're out and about. "We see most mosquitoes are active in that dusk time period. Folks can limit their outdoor exposure time around that time," Thielen said. But if a bite pops up, just monitor for things like fever and rash, Thielen added. "I don't usually wear bug spray," Minneapolis resident Lilly Perkins said. "I don't get bumps because they don't bother me, but I guess I should start." For more information on West Nile virus, click here.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Keystone Community Services to bring back free summer meals program
Keystone Community Services is slated to bring back its Free Farmers Market program, a series of drive-through events at locations in St. Paul and Roseville offering produce to community members. The food-shelf service nonprofit offers the seasonal market as a way to combat food insecurity. The markets 'Access to healthy food should never be a barrier to someone's success,' said Adero Riser Cobb, president and CEO of Keystone Community Services, in a statement. 'These markets are a reflection of our belief in community, dignity, and opportunity — and in working together to ensure all our neighbors have what they need to thrive.' With support and funding from M Health Fairview, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America and Minnesota United FC, Farmers Market participants will receive an assortment of fruits and vegetables. While Keystone offers food shelf services year-round, the farmer's market serves as an additional lane of support for those struggling with food insecurity. The seasonal markets will be from: • 10 a.m. to noon, on July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5 and Oct. 3 at Roseville Covenant Church. • 10 a.m. to noon, on June 27, July 25, Aug. 15, Sept. 19 and Oct. 10 at Galilee Lutheran Church in Roseville. • 10 a.m. to noon on June 13, July 18, Aug. 8 and Sept, 12 at Allianz Field in St. Paul. The markets also aim to address issues involving transportation, limited quantities of food and any stigma surrounding attending a food shelf. For more information go to or call 651-645-0349. St. Paul Downtown Development Corp. seeks to acquire Alliance Bank Center In downtown St. Paul, minus a cafe, Landmark Center is 100% leased Darts welcomes new president with strong Dakota County ties New Bush Foundation Fellows include amputee, journalist, architect, more With federal cuts, Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps to close after 44 years
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Minnesota newborns to be screened for Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD)
The Brief The Minnesota Department of Health announced babies born in the state will be routinely screened for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). Officials said screenings for the disease will likely start in 2026. MLD symptoms include patients not reaching developmental milestones, experiencing regression of skills, seizures and sometimes death. MINNESOTA (FOX 9) - Babies born in Minnesota will start to be routinely screened for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), the state's health department announced. Officials say MLD will likely be added to the list of conditions Minnesota newborns are routinely screened for in 2026, based on the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee's recommendation. READ MORE: MN documentary chronicles groundbreaking treatment for rare genetic disease Big picture view MLD is a kind of lysosomal disease that is caused by an enzyme deficiency leading to a buildup of fats known as sulfatides. Health officials say the buildup causes brain and nervous system damage, which can lead to those diagnosed with MLD not reaching developmental milestones, experiencing regression of skills, seizures and sometimes death. There is no cure, but early intervention can slow progression of the disease and help manage symptoms. The Minnesota Department of Health said gene therapy "offers a promising approach" to treatment. Such a case was the subject of the documentary "Sequencing Hope", which followed an Alabama family's journey to M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital in Minnesota for their daughter's treatment. Local perspective The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) said the start date for MLD screening in Minnesota will likely be in 2026, with an exact date being determined and shared when the process unfolds. State officials add that Minnesota "has one of the most comprehensive newborn screening programs in the country" and point to screening for phenylketonuria (PKU) screening that started in 1964. Since then, all babies born in the state have had a blood sample sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for newborn screening unless parents opted out. Minnesota has since expanded its newborn screening panel to detect more than 60 conditions, allowing affected children to get the care they need as quickly as possible, according to the MDH. More information on the state's newborn screening program can be found here. The Source This story used information from a Minnesota Department of Health news release and past FOX 9 reporting.
