A weekly roundup of news, updates and reminders

August 17, 2026

Federal Medicaid changes

Two important recent updates to online resources.

Renewal Lookup Tool 

The ability for enrollees to submit exemptions to work and community engagement requirements through the lookup tool has been extended to September 30, 2026. 

Noncitizen adults

The lawfully present noncitizen adults webpage has been updated with information about MinnesotaCare eligibility for enrollees if they lose their Medical Assistance.

Public comments on Elderly and Disability Waiver plans

The department invites public comments on proposed amendments to two waiver plans before they are sent to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for approval. Learn how to submit feedback in these provider messages:

• Elderly Waiver (posted Aug. 13)
• Disability Waiver (posted Aug. 6) 

School-based services providers: Join open office hours for enrollment updates

The department is working on required updates to the National Provider Identifier and Minnesota Health Care Programs enrollment process for school personnel. Virtual office hours are scheduled for Wed., Aug. 19, at 3 p.m. to share information and answer providers' questions.

> Join the meeting <

All school providers are encouraged to attend. The session is free, with no registration required.

Stay informed and get help

Don't forget to sign up for email updates to get this newsletter and other news from the department delivered straight to your inbox. We send information on a variety of health care topics that you choose. And remember to access these other provider channels for policy updates, new developments and assistance: 

• Provider FAQs on pre-payment review and Minnesota Revalidate 2026
• Provider News and Updates
• Provider Resource Center (PRC)
• PRC contact request form
• MHCP Provider Manual
• MPSE portal navigation sessions
• On-demand training videos and more 

Wanted: New members for three advisory groups

The department is seeking applications for three advisory groups that work to improve programs and services. Please help us get the word out!

Cultural and Ethnic Community Leaders Council. Established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2013, the council advises the human services commissioner on reducing disparities affecting racial and ethnic groups. Community leaders from across the state are encouraged to apply. Apply by Aug. 27.

Medicaid Advisory Committee. A group consisting of health care providers, community organizations, advocates and other partners. Apply by Aug. 31.

Beneficiary Advisory Council. Made up exclusively of people on Medical Assistance or their family members or caregivers. Expertise is not required; personal experience and perspective is what matters. Apply by Aug. 31.

Help spread the word

Download materials for print and digital use to help build awareness of the Beneficiary Advisory Council opportunity among MA enrollees. Each asset includes a QR code linked to information about the council and how to apply.

• Social media post (PNG)
• Slide for waiting room screens (PNG)
• Letter-sized handout (PDF) 

Enrollment moratorium on metro area NEMT providers extended

The enrollment moratorium on Non-Emergency Medical Transportation providers who are based in the seven-county metro area has been extended. Get more details in the provider news message posted on July 23, 2026.

Trying to reach the PRC?

Callers to the Provider Resource Center may be experiencing longer than usual wait times. Consider using the online contact form, available online 24/7, to submit your question.

Reminder: Provider News and Updates is available 24/7

Every week, the department posts timely news and developments relevant to enrolled providers on the Provider News and Updates page. Links highlighting specific updates are dropped into MN–ITS mailboxes regularly, but it is not necessary to login to MN–ITS to read the latest news. Bookmark the site and check it anytime!