June 2023

News from DHS archive

35,500 enrollees urged to renew Medical Assistance ASAP, even as state extends deadline

Minnesota is extending the deadline to renew Medical Assistance for 35,500 people whose renewal paperwork is overdue for July 1 coverage. 

But people should still send in their renewal form and any required documentation as soon as possible to avoid gaps in their health insurance.

The state is working with the federal government to avoid ending Medical Assistance coverage for people who may still qualify, but face barriers such as not receiving the form in the mail. Medical Assistance is Minnesota’s Medicaid program.

“We don’t want anyone to lose their health insurance,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “Our goal is for every eligible Minnesotan to keep their Medical Assistance.”

DHS is taking advantage of an option offered by the federal government to extend the July 1 deadline to Aug. 1. The change will apply to the first group of families and children renewing their Medical Assistance since the pandemic. 

People already determined ineligible for Medical Assistance will still lose coverage July 1. Some are newly qualified for MinnesotaCare beginning on that date. Others can get help finding insurance options through MNsure.

More information is in a department news release and at mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage.

Other enrollees can easily look up when to expect renewal forms

Minnesotans with Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare can now look up the month they can expect their health insurance renewal forms to arrive in the mail.

The online lookup tool is at mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage.

People must enter the case number printed on their notices or premium bills and the member number listed on their Minnesota Health Care Program card. If a person doesn’t know their case or member number, they can call their county or Tribal worker.

When the forms arrive, it’s essential to complete and return them promptly with any necessary documentation. If people who are eligible don’t return the forms, they may lose their health insurance.

“The renewal lookup lets them know when to watch their mail so they can do everything possible to keep their health insurance,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead.

More information is in a department news release, which is also available in Español, Af Soomaali, Lus Hmoob, Tiếng Việt and Pусский. 

July webinar: Legislative updates on services for people with disabilities and older adults

Join legislative staff from DHS and the Minnesota Board on Aging for an overview of the 2023 legislative session, including potential implications for programs and services that support people with disabilities and older adults in Minnesota.

The webinar is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 13.

Register by 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6, on the Odyssey website at mn.gov/dhs/odyssey/attend/upcoming-odyssey-events.

Sign up to receive emails about upcoming Age & Disabilities Odyssey webinars at mn.gov/dhs/odyssey/contact.

In social media: Caring Career

Begin an in-demand career path with great growth potential and no training beyond high school required to start in many positions. Check out the many job opportunities where you can support children and adults with disabilities, older adults or people with mental health care needs at careerforcemn.com/CaringCareer. #CaringCareerMN

>> Follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook for timely updates on DHS news and events.

>> Follow our DHS Careers Facebook page for announcements of hiring events, job postings, internships and more.

Accessible formats

For accessible formats of this publication, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.

Public forum to look at behavioral health services for pregnant and parenting people

Join us for a public forum on July 19 to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of behavioral health services for pregnant and parenting women/people in Minnesota.

Come learn about how these services are experienced and viewed by African American and Black U.S. Born women, Southeast Asian women, East African women, Indigenous/Native American women, Latina women, LGBTQ+ people, and women in rural areas.

Share your own experiences as well to help us expand and improve women-specific and family-centered services.

Event details:

• Wednesday, July 19, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
• Maplewood YMCA Community Center (Heritage Room C)
• Online option also available.
• Learn more and register at mnfamilies.org/meetings-2.
• Accommodation requests can be made when you register. Please submit requests at least one week prior to the event.

Fact sheets updated

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (PDF)

MnCHOICES Initiative (PDF)

In the news

Minnesota officials extend initial renewal deadline for Medicaid recipients: Acting state Medicaid director Julie Marquardt spoke with MPR about the extension of the first deadline for Medical Assistance renewals.

Heart work: Training social workers to keep Native children home: Nearly a half century after the Indian Child Welfare Act was passed, systemic bias still plagues the child welfare system. Larissa Littlewolf, a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe member, helped design training to help social workers understand why ICWA is so important. The training focuses first on what Littlewolf calls “Heart work — understanding the historical trauma, the correct history of indigenous families.” Learn more in an MPR article.

Lt. Gov. Flanagan, nonprofits praise additional $3.3 million for prepared meals program: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, whose family relied on food shelves and public programs, was a fitting ambassador to announce $3.3 million in new spending over the next two years to fund a prepared meals grant program. It will serve Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity who have trouble cooking meals due to lack of access to a kitchen or because they have a disability. Learn more in a Minnesota Reformer article.

MinnesotaCare expands eligibility to Minnesotans with undocumented status: MPR's All Things Considered host Tom Crann spoke earlier this month with interim Assistant Commissioner Julie Marquardt about the expansion to MinnesotaCare and how it will work.

Health care renewal process in Español: DHS’ Rebeca Sedarski spoke with Oscar Rodriguez of the Spanish-language Minnesota Contigo show about the Medical Assistance renewal process. The program will appear on Telemundo in Minnesota and is available on Minnesota Contigo's YouTube channel.