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, including the addition of care evaluations to the list of covered services. It also specifies that certain home care services can be provided without prior authorization and outlines the conditions under which care evaluations can be conducted. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for increasing payment rates for home health agency services, home care nursing, and homemaker assistance, effective January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval. An appropriation is also included to fund the home care preceptor grant program, which is designed to support the training of future nursing professionals in the home care sector.

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