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 amendments include the introduction of a new definition for "care evaluation," which refers to face-to-face evaluations 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 reimbursement rate for these evaluations is set at 300% of the standard rate for skilled nursing visits. Additionally, the bill mandates an increase in payment rates for home health agency services, home care nursing, and homemaker assistance, effective January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program aimed at supporting recruitment and retention of home care staff. This program will provide financial assistance to licensed home care providers for activities such as loan forgiveness, employee retention payments, and incentive compensation for nursing staff who mentor students. Grant recipients are required to report on the use of funds by July 1, 2028, and the program will expire on January 1, 2028, with the reporting requirement extending until mid-2028. Overall, the bill seeks to improve access to home care services and support the workforce in the home care sector.

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