Minnesota Health Care Program (MHCP) enrollees received a notable update in eligibility requirements, as the Department of Human Services (DHS) announced an end to the requirement which mandated applicants to seek out additional income benefits. This move, effective immediately, represents a significant shift in how individuals access medical support through various state programs.
In a bulletin dated February 22nd, 2025, DHS Deputy Commissioner John Connolly declared the cessation of policies that previously compelled applicants to apply for potential income benefits such as annuities, pensions, Social Security retirement, veterans’ benefits, and other disability or unemployment benefits. This directive aligns with the April 2, 2024 CMS final rule, which rescinded the federal regulation that enforced this requirement as a condition of eligibility for Medicaid enrollees.
The list of Medicaid programs affected by these changes includes Medical Assistance for Families with Children and Adults (MA-FCA), Medical Assistance for People Age 65 and Older, and People who are Blind or Have a Disability (MA-ABD), among others. Notably, individuals previously ineligible for failure to apply for income benefits can now be reassessed without this stipulation. However, the bulletin specifies that this change does not absolve MA-ABD applicants without a disability certification from the Social Security Administration (SSA) from the requirement to apply for Social Security disability benefits…