Mayo applauds Pawlety's decision to take Medicaid money

Mayo Clinic issued a statement on Tuesday applauding Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's decision to request $263 million in federal health care money for Medicaid and foster care programs available for the state. The clinic also asked the governor to reconsider early enrollment in Medicaid, which would expand coverage to Minnesotans and spare hospitals from deep payment cuts. Here's the statement released by Mayo:

"We are pleased with the Governor's decision to accept $263 million in Federal Assistance Medicaid Program aid. This decision will save Minnesota hospitals, among the largest employers across the state of Minnesota, millions of dollars. Mayo Clinic also encourages him to support early enrollment into Medicaid, which would bring an additional $1.4 billion in funding to the state."