July 2023

News from DHS archive

Medical Assistance deadline extended for August renewals

Minnesotans whose Medical Assistance renewal forms were originally due July 31 will have an extra month to turn in their paperwork.

People affected by this extension are urged to send in their renewal forms and any required documentation as soon as possible to keep insurance coverage.

?If your renewal is due, please send it in as soon as you can,? said Interim Assistant Human Services Commissioner Julie Marquardt. ?Help with paperwork is available through trained MNsure navigators, who are ready to assist in multiple languages.?

Find a navigator near you at mnsure.org/free-help.

Minnesota provided a similar extension to people whose Medical Assistance forms were originally due June 30. The state and its partners have been using the additional time to redouble outreach efforts and help more people through the renewal process. That group still faces a July 31 deadline to submit their forms.

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

Second podcast episode on community healing drops

Episode four of the LoopBack podcast features the second part of a conversation series on community-led solutions for promoting holistic healing and wellness within the Twin Cities African American and faith-based communities. A panel of community leaders continued a dialogue about what?s needed for their communities to thrive, diving deeper into collaborative and relationship-based models for community solutions.? Podcast guests Steve Floyd, Pastor Kelly Webb, Marques Armstrong, Pastor Brian Herron and Jay Slaughter highlighted the importance of relationships, building connections and collaborating as a team. Listen to the LoopBack podcast on Spotify, Google, Apple, Stitcher or Anchor. After listening, share your own story of healing and wellness on our LoopBack podcast engagement page at mn.gov/dhs/loopback.

$36 million to support county and Tribal efforts to renew Minnesotans? health insurance

Counties and the White Earth Nation will soon receive extra financial support for helping Minnesotans with Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare renew their insurance.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is sending $36 million in July to counties and White Earth, the only Tribe in the state to process public health care program renewals.?

The funds will cover costs such as addressing health disparities, hiring and training staff, paying overtime, and reaching out to enrollees.?Amounts (PDF)?depend on how many Medical Assistance enrollees live in each jurisdiction.

?Our partners are working hard with us to help every eligible Minnesotan keep their health insurance. I?ve been impressed with some of their creative ideas,? said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. ?We deeply appreciate their efforts.?

More information is in a department news release.

In social media: Protect vulnerable adults

If you suspect mistreatment, abuse or exploitation of an adult with a disability, take action to ensure their safety. Contact 1-844-880-1574 to get help. Together, we can protect and advocate for vulnerable adults in need.?For more information, visit mn.gov/dhs/adult-protection.

>> 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 [email protected], or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.

Webinar: Learn about initiatives to better serve people with disabilities and older adults

Registration is open for the Age & Disabilities Odyssey "Major Change Initiatives" webinar from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22. During this session, staff will describe four major initiatives that will better serve and support older adults and people with disabilities:

• Community First Supports and Services
• Electronic visit verification
• MnCHOICES revision
• Waiver Reimagine.

These changes will give a person more choice and control over the services and supports in their life.

Register by 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at mn.gov/dhs/odyssey/attend/upcoming-odyssey-events.

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

Fact sheets updated

Child support in Minnesota: Facts and figures (PDF)

Minnesota's resettlement programs (PDF)

In the news

'Historic' increase in funding aims to reduce youth homelessness in Minnesota:?Youth homelessness programs in Minnesota are receiving unprecedented increases in state funding starting this month following a session in which the Legislature nearly tripled spending over the next two years. Assistant Commissioner Tikki Brown and others spoke to the Star Tribune about the positive impact the funding will have.?

Lt. Gov. Flanagan visits Winona to discuss education, childcare and infrastructure:?Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan made a few stops in Winona in July touting the state?s investment in child care and infrastructure. The visit was to highlight investments in education and child care in the last legislative session. Learn more in a KAAL-TV story.

Editorial:?Minnesota does well in its approach to keep people insured:?Despite the nationwide challenge to redetermine 94 million people?s eligibility for health care coverage, Minnesota?s careful approach appears to be a good strategy. Unlike other states, Minnesota is not rushing this task to keep Minnesotans covered, but instead is approaching this job tactfully, under the diligent leadership of the Department of Human Services? Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. Read more in a Star Tribune editorial.

Minnesota's first addiction and recovery leader: 'We don't demonize people': Jeremy Drucker's?recovery from escalating substance abuse began with a hospital visit and has now led him back to the State Capitol. Late last year, Gov. Tim Walz chose Drucker, now 44 and 11 years sober, to be the state's first director of addiction and recovery. Read his personal story and goals for Minnesota in the Star Tribune.