Pawlenty makes offer to DFL on expiring Minn. health plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he has offered Democrats a proposal addressing the future of those covered by an expiring state health care plan.

Pawlenty says the idea came up in negotiations late Tuesday and it's now up to legislative Democrats to respond.

The governor says the proposal would involve more aggressive management of health care through designated organizations. Hospitals would get money to care for some of the neediest patients. He says the total cost is negotiable.

Pawlenty says it's not yet clear all those on the expiring General Assistance Medical Care plan would be covered. That program enrolls more than 30,000 low-income adults each month and is set to end April 1 after Pawlenty vetoed its funding.