This bill establishes the County-Administered Rural Medical Assistance program (CARMA) to provide an alternative to the existing prepaid medical assistance program (PMAP) for eligible individuals in rural counties. CARMA aims to integrate healthcare, public health, and social services to address health-related social needs in these communities. Counties authorized to administer CARMA will be exempt from the usual procurement process. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, enrollment processes, and the benefits that CARMA must cover, including health-related social needs, starting January 1, 2030.

Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.69, to include provisions for terminating contracts with health plans in counties where CARMA is implemented. Effective January 1, 2027, the commissioner of human services must terminate existing contracts if a county board submits an acceptable CARMA proposal. The bill also requires the commissioner to seek necessary federal waivers for CARMA's implementation and mandates notification to the revisor of statutes upon obtaining federal approval. The overall section of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2027, while the section regarding federal waivers will become effective the day after final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.69