This bill seeks to improve the quality and oversight of case management services for home and community-based waiver recipients in Minnesota. It mandates that these services be provided by qualified vendors who will develop person-centered support plans and coordinate services. Counties are required to use a competitive proposal process for contracting case management services at least every two years, ensuring that these services are culturally responsive. Importantly, starting July 1, 2029, counties will be prohibited from entering into new contracts or renewing existing ones for case management services.

Additionally, the bill establishes a waiver case management quality working group to transition from a contract-based system to one where counties directly provide these services. This group will include various stakeholders and is tasked with making recommendations to enhance service quality, evaluate funding structures, and suggest legislative changes. The working group is expected to convene by August 1, 2026, and submit a report by September 1, 2027. Furthermore, the commissioner of human services is directed to analyze the current rate-setting methodology for these services, with initial findings due by January 15, 2028, and a final report, including legislative recommendations, due by January 15, 2029.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256S.07