Emergency Medical Assistance Program Ends

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Hundreds of people in Minnesota who aren't U.S. citizens will no longer receive most health care services from a program of last resort.

The state Department of Human Services mailed letters to 2,300 people last month informing them that much of their coverage would lapse on Jan. 1. They would still receive emergency care at a hospital, but would no longer be eligible for chemotherapy, dialysis or other services.

About 200 patients appealed the cutoff, included in last summer's budget agreement. So, state officials extended coverage one week to this past Monday. The Emergency Medical Assistance program served those who didn't qualify for Medicare or MinnesotaCare because of their immigration status. Some are seeking asylum and are in the U.S. legally. Others are not.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)