Minneslate Logo

HF2950 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

State-funded medical assistance and MinnesotaCare provided for inmates of county jails.

Related bill: SF3308

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to expand healthcare coverage for inmates in county jails in Minnesota by allowing them access to state-funded Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, amending existing statutes to accommodate this change.

Main Provisions

  • Medical Assistance for Inmates: The bill allows inmates in county jails to receive state-funded Medical Assistance even though they are not eligible for federally funded assistance. This includes those who are conditionally released and do not require public detention.

  • Suspension and Reinstatement of Medical Assistance: An inmate who is already enrolled in Medical Assistance and is incarcerated for less than 12 months will have their eligibility suspended rather than terminated. Upon release, their benefits are automatically reinstated if they still meet eligibility requirements, without needing to reapply.

  • MinnesotaCare Eligibility: Inmates of county jails can qualify for MinnesotaCare if they meet all other requirements. This applies to inmates who are awaiting trial and have not been convicted.

  • Cost of Medical Services: The bill mandates that counties are responsible for the medical costs of inmates. These costs cannot exceed the maximum rate allowed by Medical Assistance. Medical providers must charge rates negotiated with the county or within the limits set by the Medical Assistance program. Counties can seek reimbursement from inmates who can afford to pay some portions of their medical bills.

  • Applications Assistance: Counties may assist inmates in applying for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare, facilitating their access to these health services while incarcerated.

Significant Changes

  • Eligibility Amendments: The bill changes current laws by providing state-funded medical support to inmates, which previously did not cover individuals incarcerated in county jails.

  • Financial Responsibilities: Introduces new financial rules for counties concerning inmate healthcare costs, ensuring these costs align with state-set guidelines for Medical Assistance payments.

  • Administrative Processes: Streamlines the process for reinstating Medical Assistance eligibility after an inmate’s release, removing the need for reapplication which simplifies access to healthcare benefits.

Relevant Terms

  • Medical Assistance
  • MinnesotaCare
  • County Jails
  • Inmates
  • State-funded healthcare
  • Eligibility
  • Reinstatement
  • Incarceration
  • Subrogation
  • Health insurance

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHealth Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies conditional release scenarios where medical assistance is applicable."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section amends the medical assistance eligibility for inmates as per 256B.055 subdivision 14.",
      "modified": [
        "Suspends medical assistance eligibility during incarceration and reinstates it upon release."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256B.055",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 14"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Eligibility for state-funded MinnesotaCare for inmates in county jails if eligibility criteria are met."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amends MinnesotaCare eligibility for inmates of county jails under section 256L.04 subdivision 12.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the eligibility of those awaiting disposition of charges versus sentenced individuals."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256L.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 12"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provisions related to copayments and the county's subrogation rights for medical expenses."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modifies the responsibility for inmate medical services in county jails under section 641.15 subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments on how medical aid costs should align with medical assistance payment rates."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "641.15",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References mental health service definitions related to prisoners' calls provision.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies mental health services calls that cannot be charged to prisoners."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245.462",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors