News from DHS for April 2020

Minnesota Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 04/30/2020 09:25 AM CDT
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NEWS FROM DHS

April 2020

News from DHS archive

In this issue:

Minnesota prioritizes child care during COVID-19

two young children playing with plastic cups

Minnesotans who provide child care and families who rely on child care should know that the state is working to prioritize and support their operations and availability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under emergency authority granted by Governor Tim Walz, Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead has approved temporary modifications to child care regulations and procedures. The changes add flexibility for families and providers while preserving access to care.

Read more in the department's news release.

Emergency food aid will help 250,000 Minnesotans

Emergency food relief is coming soon to more than 250,000 Minnesotans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to feed themselves during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more in the department’s news release.

State awards first emergency child care grants

More than 1,200 Minnesota child care providers will receive about $9.8 million to continue serving children of essential workers through the first round of emergency state funding announced Monday by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. 

Read more in the department’s news release.

Food, financial assistance available during pandemic

assorted vegetables

Minnesotans who are struggling to feed themselves and their families or make ends meet should know that help is available and accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has temporarily modified procedures to make it easier for people to get, keep and use essential programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which offers monthly food benefits.

Read more in the department’s news release.

Minnesota bolsters health care programs in pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare should know that their health care coverage is secure and that they have improved access to telemedicine and extended supplies of many prescription drugs. 

Commissioner Jodi Harpstead has taken multiple steps under her emergency authority to waive and modify procedures during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency declared by Governor Tim Walz.

Read more in the department's news release.

DHS expands telemedicine services for public health care program enrollees

woman in bed communicating with doctor on computer screen

DHS received federal approval to temporarily ease certain limits on receiving care and services through telephone and video visits that can instead be provided safely and effectively without an in person face-to-face visit.

Read more in the department's news release.

Get email updates

We have seen daily changes in the state's response to COVID-19. To stay abreast of changes and their impacts to people whom DHS serves and supports, sign up for email updates.

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In the news

Links to some news articles about DHS during April:

In social media

older adult smiling as holds his cell phone

Making phone calls easier for people with hearing loss (posted April 6 on the DHS Facebook page):

Many services typically provided face-to-face are now being provided over the phone or online due to COVID-19. Since one in five people experience hearing loss, our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division compiled a list of ways to help make communicating and staying connected easier.

To see more posts like this and for timely updates on DHS news and events, follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook.

Fact sheet updated in April

The following fact sheet about DHS programs was updated in April:

Fact sheets summarizing human services proposals for the 2020 legislative session are available on the DHS website. The fact sheets highlight human services proposals in Governor Tim Walz’s Local Jobs and Projects Plan.

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.