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The Behavioral Health Fund (BHF) provides financial assistance for substance use disorder services to Minnesotans who meet certain eligibility requirements, including specific income and household size limitations. Local agencies, including American Indian Tribes and Minnesota counties, have been responsible for determining Behavioral Health Fund eligibility. Legislation passed in 2025 will move that responsibility to the state.
Effective July 1, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) will begin determining eligibility for the Behavioral Health Fund. Tribal Nations will have the option to determine eligibility under specific contracts with the Department of Human Services. All other applications will be processed by the state, and the state will manage all appeals. Having a single entity perform eligibility work will reduce variation in rules, processes and access across jurisdictions and create a more uniform system with more consistent oversight.
Counties, tribes and substance use disorder (SUD) providers will continue playing a key role by helping people apply. People navigating SUD treatment often benefit from having someone guide them through the behavioral health system and find appropriate care.
This change will reduce workloads for county and tribal social services staff, allowing them to focus more on person-centered care navigation. Counties will continue to bear a share of financial responsibility for their residents who access BHF.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working closely with partners throughout this process to ensure a smooth transition. Staff have been meeting with county and Tribal human services leaders and substance use disorder providers in recent months to prepare them for this change. DHS will communicate regularly with counties, tribes and providers to help them understand the new process and other changes to the Behavioral Health Fund. For updates and more information, go to the DHS website.
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