HF2955 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
County-administered rural medical assistance program established; payment, coverage, and eligibility requirements for the CARMA program established; and commissioner of human services directed to seek federal waivers.
Related bill: SF3149
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill is aimed at establishing a county-administered Rural Medical Assistance Program (CARMA) in Minnesota. The goal is to improve healthcare coverage and access for residents in rural areas through a locally managed healthcare service system.
Main Provisions
- CARMA Program Establishment: The bill introduces a new medical assistance program to be managed by counties in rural areas, focusing on increasing healthcare access and coverage.
- County Authority and Involvement: It emphasizes the role of county boards in the development and implementation of medical assistance programs. Counties will have the opportunity to review and provide input on proposals for healthcare services in their area to ensure they address community needs.
- Contract Management and Health Plan Requirements: Counties are authorized to participate in the selection and renewal of health plans. They can also develop specific contract requirements to achieve local public health goals.
- Dispute Resolution: A three-person mediation panel will be established to resolve disputes between county boards and the state commissioner regarding the selection and implementation of health plans.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- County-Based Purchasing: The bill allows counties to opt out of existing state-run prepaid medical assistance programs and establish their own county-based purchasing plans if certain proposals are accepted by the state commissioner.
- Federal Waivers: The bill directs the commissioner to seek necessary federal waivers to implement these changes, ensuring compliance with federal requirements.
- Reporting Requirements: The commissioner is required to report the activities undertaken and any deviations from county recommendations to the legislative committees overseeing human services.
Relevant Terms
- Rural Medical Assistance Program (CARMA)
- County-administered healthcare
- Medical assistance prepayment program
- County-based purchasing
- Health plan contracts
- Local public health goals
- Federal waivers
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Past committee meetings
- Health Finance and Policy on: April 02, 2025 13:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Health Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requirements that the commissioner shall seek input for contract requirements from the county or a group of county boards and incorporate those recommendations into the contract negotiation process."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends the county authority in the medical assistance prepayment program under section 256B.69, subdivision 3a.",
"modified": [
"Updated procedures for the termination of contracts with health plans where county boards submit proposals.",
"Amended the resolution process for disputes with a mediation panel including a representative from the association of Minnesota counties and the commissioner of human services."
]
},
"citation": "256B.69",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3a"
}
]