Lawmakers Press Dayton to Hit Pause on UCare Decision

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - State senators are pressing Gov. Mark Dayton to halt a contracting process that would squeeze out a major health insurance company.

UCare sued the state last month after being cut out during a bid process for public programs. A judge is currently weighing the company's request to pause a registration period slated to start Sept. 4.

Nearly a dozen senators sent a letter to Dayton Tuesday with a similar request. The lawmakers echo complaints from UCare that the state hasn't been forthcoming about why the Minneapolis company didn't make the cut.

Sen. Kathy Sheran provided the letter to The Associated Press.

State officials say their competitive bidding will save roughly $450 million. But the senators argue that the costs of shifting 400,000 residents to new plans may shrink those savings.