The bill establishes procedures for the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services to manage the transition from the public health emergency related to COVID-19. It amends existing laws to allow certain waivers and modifications to remain in effect for human services programs after the emergency ends, including provisions for telehealth services, maintaining healthcare coverage, and adjustments to eligibility for various assistance programs. Notably, the bill specifies that unpaid premiums for coverage during the emergency will not be collected, and it allows for the temporary suspension of data matching and reporting requirements related to medical assistance and MinnesotaCare.

Additionally, the bill appropriates significant funding to support the transition to standard eligibility for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare, including $4.5 million from the general fund and $5.3 million from the health care access fund for fiscal year 2024. It also allocates funds for grants to county and Tribal processing entities to assist with resuming medical assistance renewals and for organizations that help with enrollment in these programs. The effective date for these provisions is set for the day following final enactment or upon federal approval, whichever comes later.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.056
1st Engrossment: 256.962, 256B.056
1st Engrossment: 256.962, 256B.056