MHCP Provider Connect: September 21, 2026

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MHCP Provider Connect

A weekly roundup of news, updates and reminders

September 21, 2026

Reminder: Renewal Lookup Tool and work requirements

This summer the Renewal Lookup Tool was updated so enrollees can use it to report exemptions to work and community engagement requirements. Currently, that functionality will be available through September 30. DHS is exploring options to develop a similar tool that would be available after that date. 

Related resources


Wanted: Input on Community-Based Services Manual at in-person session Sep. 25

The department's Disability Services Division seeks feedback from providers about the Community-Based Services Manual (CBSM). (Please note that DHS maintains the separate MHCP Provider Manual for our provider audiences, and this survey is not about that resource.) We would like to know from providers who may also use the CBSM:

  • How does the manual inform service standards application?
  • What frustrates you about using the CBSM?
  • What are your suggestions for improvement?

An in-person feedback session is scheduled for Friday, Sep. 25, 2 – 3:30 p.m. If you use the CBSM frequently and are willing to share your thoughts, email project lead Lea Bittner-Eddy at lea.bittner-eddy@state.mn.us to be included. A survey to gather information from providers may be available in the future.


Stay informed and get help

Sign up for email updates to get news from the department delivered straight to your inbox. We send information on a variety of health care benefits, services and other topics that you choose. And remember to access these other provider channels for policy updates, new developments and assistance:


Available provider resources: MN–ITS guides and training

Did you know that there are dedicated online MN–ITS user guides that give detailed instructions on how to complete tasks and access information in MN–ITS? And that providers can access a variety of online, on-demand and in-person trainings on the MHCP Provider Training webpage? Check out these resources when you have questions or need to brush up on your MHCP provider knowledge.


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!


New focus on provider enrollment backlog

DHS acknowledges the backlog of new provider enrollment applications and changes, and continues to staff up to address this backlog while balancing the appeals requests from Minnesota Revalidate 2026. Providers should be aware that organizations remaining in appeal status may experience a delay in affiliating new individual providers. DHS is unable to process submission of new individual provider affiliations for enrolled providers in appeals status because DHS must continue to ensure that enrolled providers meet enrollment and screening requirements. Organizations are strongly encouraged to complete the revalidation process and provide any outstanding information as soon as possible to resolve their appeal status and avoid additional delays in provider affiliations.

There may be very limited circumstances in which DHS is able to expedite an individual provider enrollment application or affiliation request. DHS may prioritize requests when the individual affiliation is preventing the organization from meeting enrollment requirements. Expedited processing is limited and should not be relied upon as an alternative to completing the organization’s revalidation. If you wish to request expedited processing based on these circumstances, please submit a request for expedited processing to our Provider Resource Center.


New website for managing public health coverage

In July 2026, Minnesota Health Care Programs and MNsure began using separate eligibility and enrollment platforms. Due to this change, now Minnesotans who are seeking free or low-cost public health coverage — Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare — can apply for and manage their coverage directly on the DHS website. The required steps differ based on individual circumstances. In most cases a LoginMN account is required. Situation-specific resources are available here:


Invitation to join the Health Services Advisory Council

The department invites eligible licensed physician specialists to apply for an opening on the Health Services Advisory Council.

Made up of physicians, mental health professionals, other health care providers, and consumer representatives, the council provides leadership in designing public health care benefit and coverage policies for Minnesota. A particular focus is evidence-based coverage policy, in which decisions about public health services are based on the best available research on their effectiveness.


Does your organization provide obstetrics services?

If you are a provider or associated medical biller who will be impacted by the upcoming changes in OB coding that take effect Jan. 1, 2027, we want to hear from you. Consider answering a simple survey to help us learn more about current needs, potential challenges, and opportunities to support billing efforts during the transition. The survey takes about five minutes and will close on Sep. 30, 2026.