This bill modifies the eligibility criteria for medical assistance and expedited disability determinations in Minnesota, introducing an expedited process for high-risk applicants, including those in need of home and community-based services, individuals with life-threatening conditions, and children under two with rare diseases. It creates a new category for individuals at risk of losing medical assistance eligibility and mandates hospitals to assist patients in completing medical assistance applications. Additionally, the commissioner is required to maintain contracts for electronic signature services to facilitate these expedited determinations. The bill also includes a provision for quarterly reviews of the death master file to identify deceased recipients and ensure timely termination of their eligibility.

Moreover, the bill expands medical assistance eligibility to pregnant noncitizens ineligible for federally funded assistance due to immigration status, providing coverage during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. It also ensures that individuals receiving care from nonprofit centers for victims of torture can access medical assistance without federal financial participation. The bill specifies coverage for certain emergency medical services, such as dialysis and cancer treatment, and includes provisions for managed care contracts, requiring annual renewals and performance targets. The effective dates for various provisions are set for October 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027, to ensure a structured implementation of the new eligibility criteria and requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.056, 256B.0561, 256B.06, 256B.061, 256B.69