MN Human Services Warns Clients Of Shutdown

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The state Department of Human Services is notifying hundreds of thousands of clients that they might lose access to health care assistance and other services if Minnesota government shuts down on July 1.

The agency started mailing notices Tuesday to 572,000 health care, cash and food support clients. In addition, notices were sent to 42,500 child care assistance recipients and providers; and 7,000 recipients of adoption assistance.

The letter warns recipients that they "may have trouble getting health care services." It says if healthcare providers decline to see them, they should go to an emergency room.

The state shutdown looms as Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders fail to agree on a two-year budget for the state that must be passed by July 1 to avoid service disruptions.

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