A weekly roundup of news, updates and reminders

October 26, 2026

EIDBI service authorization backlog resolved

Acentra Health has resolved the Early Intensive Developmental Behavioral Intervention service authorization processing backlog. For requests submitted after Oct. 1, 2026, EIDBI partners, providers and families can expect Acentra to complete their review and make a determination or request more information within seven days .

Review the EIDBI service authorization provider news message from Oct. 20, 2026, for details.

Enroll in electronic funds transfer (EFT)

EFT is a faster, safer and easier reimbursement method than paper checks. Refer to the Electronic funds transfer or direct deposit section in the MCHP Provider Manual (under Enrollment with Minnesota Health Care Programs) for more information.

Reminder: MinnesotaCare eligibility renewals start soon

All MinnesotaCare enrollees will have an annual eligibility renewal in fall 2026 for eligibility beginning January 2027. The following are helpful reminders for your patients and clients:

• Getting a MinnesotaCare renewal in the mail does not mean the individual has coverage. If someone has a monthly premium they need to pay the premium to have coverage.
• The individual needs to follow the directions in renewal paperwork and submit before their deadline to their county, Tribal or state agency.
• Individuals approved as eligible for MinnesotaCare starting Oct. 1, 2026, will get renewal paperwork, even if they recently completed a renewal when they had Medical Assistance.

Refer individuals to the Renew my coverage webpage for more information.

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• MHCP Provider Manual
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Recap of H.R. 1 implementation updates

The following information was included in the Oct. 19 e-newsletter. It is subject to change pending issuance of further guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services:

Noncitizen adult MA eligibility changes are now in effect

On Oct. 1, 2026, federal law changed who can qualify for federally funded Medical Assistance (MA) based on immigration status.

Many individuals who lost MA coverage due to federal changes are eligible for MinnesotaCare. However, premium payments are required for coverage to begin. People who did not make their initial payment in time for coverage to begin Oct. 1 can still make their initial payments in October to begin coverage November 1.

Resource for full details: Noncitizen adults and MinnesotaCare premiums webpages

Bulletin: Six-month eligibility renewals for certain adults on MA or EMA

H.R. 1 requires Medicaid eligibility renewals occur every six months for people enrolled under the adults without children basis of eligibility, beginning January 1, 2027.

Resource for full details: DHS Announces Six-Month Eligibility Renewals for Certain Adults Enrolled in MA or EMA

Medical frailty

CMS recently hosted calls with states to provide an example of how a state could implement a tiered medical frailty framework using reliable information primarily from adjudicated claims or encounter data. We are developing draft definitions and a code list that will be available for public comment in the coming months.

Resource for full details: Implementing Medical Frailty Under Community Engagement (Section 71119 of WFTC Legislation)

Work requirements

DHS has contracted with Deloitte Consulting to support verification activities for the new H.R. 1 work or community engagement requirements. It is a two-year contract, with an option to extend up to five years. Deloitte also supported our unwind efforts.