June 2025

News from DHS archive

New survey shows broad support among Minnesotans for Medicaid

Findings from a new statewide survey show there is broad support among Minnesotans for Medicaid and providing health insurance to people in need. Nearly three quarters of respondents (72%) said Medicaid was “very important” to people in their local community.

In May 2025, the Minnesota Department of Health partnered with the State Health Access Data Assistance Center at the University of Minnesota on a survey to assess how Minnesotans perceive the Medicaid program (known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota), and potential changes to the program being discussed among lawmakers in Congress. Support for Medicaid was seen across all demographics and all areas of the state.

“Minnesotans know that Medicaid matters, and these survey results show that,” said State Medicaid Director John Connolly. “Medicaid plays a key role in helping make sure people from all backgrounds and communities in every corner of our state have access to health coverage. However, the proposed federal cuts to Medicaid mean tens of thousands of our friends, neighbors and loved ones will lose their health coverage.”

Minnesota has historically had low rates of uninsurance (3.8% in 2023) due to high rates of employer coverage and a robust state public health insurance system (Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare). Additionally, with simplified enrollment and additional financial help with private insurance through MNsure, the state’s health insurance exchange, Minnesotans have enjoyed strong access to health care.

“The consequences of having a large number of people without health insurance are significant—not only for the people who do not have coverage but for our health care system and everyone in Minnesota,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “In the long run, access to health care coverage through Medicaid saves resources, saves money and saves lives.”

More information is in a Minnesota Department of Health news release.

Direct support professionals: We need your input

The state of Minnesota is conducting a survey to learn more about direct support professionals to better understand and improve working conditions for this labor market. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete.  Direct support is critical work provided by people with many different titles, such as home health aides, personal care assistants, nursing home aides and others. They help people with disabilities and older adults with activities of daily living like eating, dressing and using the bathroom. If you know someone who does this important work, please encourage them to take the survey.

In social media: New survey results

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New criteria for certain disability waiver residential services

In the news

Minnesota bolsters oversight of autism services and housing programs amid fraud concerns: “Fraud in public services ultimately hurts the people we are meant to help,” temporary Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi said, adding that steps taken by Gov. Tim Walz and legislators give the department more authority to detect, prevent and take action against fraud. Read more in a Star Tribune article.

Unexpected funding increase heartens Minnesota addiction treatment providers: State legislators gave Minnesota addiction treatment providers most of what they were hoping for when they passed a Health and Human Services bill that provides key increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates starting Jan. 1, 2026. Read more in a MinnPost article.

Why the Minnesota Legislature could revisit its budget: The special session is over, but federal health care cuts could force state lawmakers to revisit the budget they passed. That's because Minnesota could lose half a billion dollars a year in Medicaid support if Congress approves proposed cuts. Learn more in a WCCO story.

Minnesota DHS talks state impact of proposed federal Medicaid cuts: State Medicaid Director John Connolly explains the potential impacts of federal Medicaid spending cuts passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and under consideration in the U.S. Senate. Learn more in a WDIO story.