Minnesota health CEOs look at Medicaid cuts

< p> Concerned that the Legislature and governor might get it wrong, CEOs from seven major health plans and providers have drawn up their own plan to streamline Minnesota's massive Medicaid program -- and carve $1.8 billion from the projected $6.2 billion deficit. The plan is sure to draw political fire. It suggests up to $170 million in cuts to state-funded services that help keep the elderly and disabled out of institutions, for example, and captures $280 million in higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol.