This bill introduces a presumptive disability determination process for medical assistance eligibility in Minnesota, amending several sections of the Minnesota Statutes. A significant change is the replacement of the term "aged or blind persons or persons with disabilities" with "persons age 65 or older" in section 256B.055, subdivision 7. Additionally, a new subdivision (7b) is added to provide medical assistance for individuals age 64 or younger who meet specific eligibility criteria related to the Supplemental Security Income program. The bill also requires that applicants who do not meet the medical assistance criteria be referred to the state medical review team for a disability determination.

Further amendments include provisions for presumptive eligibility determinations by qualified hospitals, which will assess applicants based on their medical conditions and immediate assistance needs. The bill clarifies asset and income limitations for eligibility, ensuring certain assets are excluded under specific conditions. It also mandates the commissioner to determine the eligibility of private-sector health care coverage for infants under one year and to verify assets and income for all applicants and recipients upon renewal using electronic data sources. The bill expands the definition of eligible individuals for demonstration projects, including those with serious mental illnesses or developmental disabilities, while excluding certain classifications. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.055, 256B.056, 256B.057, 245D.02, 256.01, 256B.0761, 256B.77
1st Engrossment: 256B.055, 256B.056, 256B.057, 245D.02, 256.01, 256B.0761, 256B.77