The "Damon Leivestad Direct Care Sustainability Act" aims to improve the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program by modifying payment rates and eligibility criteria. The bill introduces enhanced payment rates for CFSS based on professional competency and shift differentials, as well as reimbursement for services provided in acute care hospital settings. A significant change is the elimination of asset limits for former recipients of medical assistance for employed persons with disabilities aged 65 and older, along with the removal of medical assistance premiums for these individuals. The bill also outlines new requirements for support workers, including necessary training and enrollment processes, and ensures that certain asset considerations do not apply to those who have recently lost their eligibility as employed persons with disabilities.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to reflect these changes, including the establishment of new payment methodologies for personal care assistance services. It specifies that the effective date for many provisions is January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval, whichever occurs later. The bill also mandates that the commissioner of human services notify the revisor of statutes when federal approval is obtained. Key provisions include the calculation of wage components based on median wages for different occupational classifications and the introduction of a worker retention component based on cumulative hours worked. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of direct care services while ensuring individuals maintain access to necessary medical assistance.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.056, 256B.057, 256B.85, 256B.851