Monthly news digest from the Department of Human Services



Minnesota Department of Human Services logo [ [link removed] ]



NEWS FROM DHS



*April 2024*




*News from DHS archive [ [link removed] ]*





In this issue:

* Governor appoints Tikki Brown commissioner of new agency [ #link_3 ]
* Asset requirement checks resume for certain Medical Assistance enrollees [ #link_8 ]
* Register for 'When Disability and Aging Intersect' webinar in May [ #link_4 ]
* In social media: St. Peter art exhibit [ #link_5 ]
* Funding available to raise awareness of change in law on adoptee records [ #link_1 ]
* Career Connect newsletter launches [ #link_7 ]
* Fact sheets [ #link_2 ]
* In the news [ #link_6 ]

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Governor appoints Tikki Brown commissioner of new agency

Tikki Brown

Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan announced Monday the appointment of Tikki Brown to serve as the first Commissioner of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families when it is established in July 2024.

?Tikki?s work exemplifies our mission of making Minnesota the best state for children. As we continue our work to improve the effectiveness of state services, Tikki brings decades of experience and knowledge that will help ensure state government works for all children and families, and that support is available for those who need it most,? said Governor Walz.

Brown has served as the assistant commissioner for Children and Family Services at DHS since 2021, as well as a variety of roles in the two decades prior.

?I am deeply honored to be appointed as Commissioner for an agency that has such a deep impact on the lives of so many Minnesotans,? said Brown. ?As Commissioner, I look forward to bringing together a new leadership team and staff from multiple agencies, working with community partners and individuals impacted by our programs, to envision an improved future for our children, youth, and families.?

DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead said: ?She brings a caring and collaborative approach to her work and has been a leader on many issues for children and families, including food security and family preservation.?

Learn more in a Governor's Office news release [ [link removed] ].



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Asset requirement checks resume for certain Medical Assistance enrollees

When Minnesota?s post-pandemic public health care program renewals wrap up this spring, the state will restart a longstanding practice of checking some enrollees? assets to make sure they are eligible for coverage.

Asset limits ensure that public health care programs pay for care only when no other resources are available.

Many Medical Assistance enrollees do not have asset limits. The state will notify those who do.

For certain Medical Assistance and Medicare Savings Programs enrollees, assets will be reviewed when their annual renewal is due. If enrollees have more assets than the program limits, they will need to reduce or spend down their assets to keep their health care coverage.

A person?s home, vehicle and personal items do not count as assets during the renewal process. Assets that do count include checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, trusts, mutual funds, real property and other financial investments.

?Our public health care programs serve Minnesotans who most need our support to access health care,? said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. ?We want to get the word out about asset limits now to give enrollees time to act to keep their health insurance.?

Asset limits differ depending on program and family size. Medical Assistance and Medicare Savings Programs enrollees who have an asset limit will receive a notice in the mail about two months before their renewal month reminding them that assets will be counted for their upcoming renewal.

Enrollees can look up their renewal month at www.mnrenewallookup.com [ [link removed] ].

More details are in a department news release [ [link removed] ].

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Register for 'When Disability and Aging Intersect' webinar in May
Odyssey Minnesota Age & Disabilities

The first webinar in the 2024 Age & Disabilities Odyssey series is set for Thursday, May 30. Join us for "From either/or to both/and: When Disability and Aging Intersect."

In this thoughtful and practical panel discussion, community members, advocates and activists who live at the intersection of disability and aging will share their insights and experiences.

The panelists will recommend practical ways to build knowledge and skills to serve the many people who live at the intersection of disability and aging.

Learn more and register [ [link removed] ] by 7 p.m. May 23.

Age & Disabilities Odyssey events are hosted by DHS and the Minnesota Board on Aging.

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In social media: St. Peter art exhibit
Forensic Services art exhibit samples 2024

The artistic talents of patients in our Forensic Mental Health Program are on display through May 25 at the Arts Center of Saint Peter.

The exhibition ?Changing Minds IV? features more than 150 original works of visual and literary art created over the past two years by artists working independently and those who participated in year-round art and writing classes.

?The exhibition is a rare opportunity for our patients to showcase their talents and for the public to look beyond stereotypes of mental illness and see our patients as the unique, insightful, creative individuals they are,? says Dr. Soniya Hirachan, executive and medical director of Forensic Services.

Learn more about it in a KEYC News Now story: [link removed]?

">> Follow DHS on?X/Twitter [ [link removed] ]?and?Facebook [ [link removed] ]?f"or timely updates on DHS news and events.""

">> Follow our DHS Careers Facebook page [ [link removed] ] for announcements of hiring events, job postings, internships and more."

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Accessible formats

For accessible formats of this publication, write to [email protected], or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.




Funding available to raise awareness of change in law on adoptee records

Icon of two parents and a child

DHS intends to sponsor a limited number of community events in June to promote a change in Minnesota law, effective July 1, regarding adoptees? access to original birth records.

Sponsorships between $1,000 and $5,000 per agency are available for at least 20 agencies.

Community-based organizations, child-placing agencies, Tribal Nations and media organizations are eligible to apply.

Find details about event requirements and how to apply [ [link removed] ] on our website. Applications are due May 5.



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Career Connect newsletter launches
CareerConnectHeader

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? We?re thrilled to introduce Career Connect, your go-to source for insider insights and opportunities at DHS.

What?s inside?


* Explore diverse job opportunities and career paths within DHS.
* Get insider tips and resources to ace interviews and enhance your career readiness.
* Stay up to date on events and networking opportunities.

Ready to get connected? Sign up today at bit.ly/DHSCareerConnect [ [link removed] ].

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Fact sheets

[ [link removed] ]In April, we posted facts sheets on key human services legislative proposals [ [link removed] ] to our website.

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newspaper beside a coffee cup
In the news

**Gov. Tim Walz appoints Tikki Brown to head new child-focused agency:?**Gov. Tim Walz appointed Tikki Brown to be the first commissioner of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families when it is established in July. Learn more in a Minnesota Reformer article [ [link removed] ].

**Minnesota mom raising opioid awareness with new film*: *The non-profit Change the Outcome debuted an updated documentary titled "The Reality of Hope," showcasing stories of those impacted directly and indirectly by opioid addiction. The film is used in presentations at schools and community groups on the opioid epidemic. The work of Change the Outcome is funded in part by grants from DHS' Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council. Learn more in a WCCO News story [ [link removed] ].

*Expanding Opportunities: Autism Society of Minnesota:* The Autism Society of Minnesota was named one of 10 recipients of Twin Cities Business 2024 Community Impact Awards. Part of its work funded by DHS grants aims to overcome cultural barriers and societal stigma around autism. Learn more in a Twin Cities Business article [ [link removed] ].

*The States That Are Stepping Up to Take On Child Poverty:* This year, 14 states are providing their own child tax credits, supplementing the credit offered by the federal government. While several have recently expanded previous versions of their child tax credits, three states?Minnesota, Oregon, and Utah?have enacted brand new ones in 2023. These measures open up a new frontier in state action intended to make the cost of raising children more affordable. Read more in an article in The New Republic [ [link removed] ].

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