This bill aims to enhance medical assistance for incarcerated individuals by establishing short-term enrollment assistance and coverage for prerelease care transition services. It amends Minnesota Statutes to allow medical assistance for inmates who are conditionally released and ensures that those who are either incarcerated for less than 12 months or become enrolled in medical assistance while incarcerated receive necessary support. The bill mandates that the commissioner of human services provide outreach and enrollment assistance to incarcerated individuals, ensuring that eligible individuals are enrolled in medical assistance at least 45 days before their expected release.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subdivision that outlines care transition services for eligible incarcerated individuals during the 30 days leading up to their release. These services include comprehensive health assessments, screenings, prerelease treatments, medication-assisted treatment, case management, and a 30-day supply of prescribed medications upon release. The bill also directs the commissioner of human services to apply for a Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity waiver to facilitate these services, with the requirement to consult with relevant stakeholders during the application process. The effective date for these provisions is contingent upon federal approval of the waiver application.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.055, 256B.0625