ROCHESTER. Minn. —Mayo Clinic is closing six rural clinics in southern Minnesota in anticipation of President Trump’s cuts in federal health programs for needy and impoverished patients. Being closed are clinics in:
> Belle Plaine, popilation 7,400, in Scott County.
> Caledonia, population 2,700, in Houston County.
> Montgomery, population 3,500, in LeSueur County.
> St. Peter, population 12,400. in Nicollet County.
> Wells, population 2,400, in Faribault County.
Also closing: The Northridge clinic in North Mankato. Services will be cut back at its Albert Lea hospital.
In a news release the politically cautious Mayo did not mention Trump by name but cited “national challenges for rural medical providers.” The Trump budget, which became law in July, cuts Medicaid funding, creating massive uncertain for rural health services. According to the Congressional Budget Office, nearly 5 million people will lose Medicaid coverage by the year 2034. Another 3 million will lose to lose Affordable Care Act coverage. The number of uninsured patients will lead to more uncompensated care for rural hospitals already operating on thin financial margins. The cuts are part of Trump’ plan to offset revenue losses from tax cuts his budget gives to financially upper-tier people and corporations.
Its changes, said Mayo, put the best face possible on the situation it faces as part of the Trump rural health crisis. The changes, Mayo said, are part of “ongoing efforts to strengthen rural health care delivery and ensure safe, high-quality and sustainable care for generations to come.” Patients will be advised about options in the new centralized albeit scaled back system. The changes are expected to be complete within three months.
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Karthik Ghosh, a Mayo vice president: “We recognize these decisions affect people, and we are committed to supporting both our patients and staff throughout this transition. The changes will allow us to have the infrastructure, staff and support where needed to provide timely, coordinated care.”