December 2018

News from DHS archive

Holidays offer chance to check on needs of loved ones who are aging, have disabilities

As people gather for the holidays, family and friends often get a fresh look at how well older adults or people with disabilities in their lives are doing. Minnesota has several resources to help families address issues that may be noticed. Read more in a news release.

Minnesota’s Senior LinkAge Line can help during Medicare special enrollment periods

Although the annual Medicare open enrollment period ended Dec. 7, some Minnesotans have more time to make Medicare decisions – and specialists from Minnesota’s Senior LinkAge Line can help. Special enrollment periods remain for most beneficiaries who live in one of the 66 Minnesota counties that are losing their Cost Plans as of Dec. 31, 2018, due a change in federal law. More information is available in a news release.

In the news

Links to some news articles about DHS during December:

• Outgoing DHS Commissioner Piper reflects on challenges, accomplishments
• DHS launches campaign for Telephone Equipment Distribution Program
• For 300,000-plus in Minnesota, Friday Medicare deadline doesn’t apply
• Minnesota Considers Two New Ways To Pay For Long-Term Care
• Farm bill details released: What it means for Minnesota, from farming to food stamps
• DHS Commissioner Piper reflects on investment, needs for state, local services

Fact sheets updated during December

Fact sheets about DHS programs were updated during December:

• Eliminating fraud in the Child Care Assistance Program (PDF) (December 2018)

For accessible formats of this publication or assistance with additional equal access to human services, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, call 651-431-2911, or use your preferred relay service.

DHS in the community

Commissioner Emily Piper presented the White Earth Coordination Assessment Resources & Education program with a 2018 Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Award for their innovative, family-centered approach to human services delivery.

DHS Office of Indian Policy Director Vern LaPlante and Oshkiimaajitahdah Director Jerry Loud pose with Oshkiimaajitahdah’s 2018 Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Award at a ceremony in Redby.

Commissioner Emily Piper and the Own Your Future initiative held a forum on Dec. 7 for policy leaders and stakeholders to learn about financial products to help middle-income Minnesotans pay for their long-term care.