This bill aims to enhance medical assistance services in Minnesota by expanding coverage to include care evaluations and modifying payment rates for various home care services. Key provisions include the introduction of a new definition for "care evaluation," which refers to face-to-face assessments to develop or update a recipient's care plan, and the inclusion of care evaluations as a covered service under home health agency and home care nursing services. The bill also mandates that the reimbursement rate for care evaluations be set at 300% of the standard rate for skilled nursing visits. Additionally, it establishes a home care preceptor grant program to incentivize home care nurses who mentor nursing students, with specific eligibility criteria and reporting requirements for grant recipients.

The bill modifies existing statutes by amending definitions and service coverage, while also increasing payment rates for home health agency services, home care nursing, and homemaker assistance. It includes provisions for effective dates contingent upon federal approval, ensuring that the changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, or later. The legislation emphasizes the importance of care evaluations in the home care process and aims to improve the quality of care provided to recipients while also supporting the workforce through the grant program.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0651, 256B.0652, 256B.0653, 256B.0654
1st Engrossment: 256B.0651, 256B.0652, 256B.0653, 256B.0654