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HF1678 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Eligibility for essential community supports modified, available services expanded, funding for caregiver respite services grants increased, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1925

AI Generated Summary

This Minnesota House bill (H.F. No. 1678) proposes modifications to the Essential Community Supports (ECS) program, expanding eligibility and services while increasing funding for caregiver respite services. Key provisions include:

  1. Eligibility Expansion:

    • ECS services would now be available to individuals aged 60 or older (previously 65 and older) or those with dementia.
    • Individuals must still not qualify for Medical Assistance and must receive a community assessment confirming the need for services.

  2. Expanded Services:

    • ECS program participants may receive up to $400 per month in targeted services such as:
      • Adult day services
      • Caregiver support
      • Homemaker support
      • Chore services
      • Personal emergency response systems
      • Home-delivered meals
      • Community living assistance
      • Respite care
    • Service coordination (up to $600 per 12-month period) would now be mandatory.

  3. Financial Eligibility Changes:

    • Income eligibility is expanded to include individuals with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
    • No asset limits would apply to eligibility determinations.

  4. New Appropriations for Caregiver Respite Grants:

    • $2 million per year (for fiscal years 2026 and 2027) would be allocated from the general fund to support caregiver respite services.

  5. Federal Matching Funds:

    • The bill authorizes the use of federal matching funds to meet the demand for ECS services as needed.

This bill aims to increase access to essential community supports for older adults and individuals with dementia, while also providing more financial resources for caregiver respite services.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHuman Services Finance and Policy
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHuman Services Finance and Policy
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 10, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 10, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 11, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 11, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Expansion of available services under essential community supports."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies eligibility and funding for essential community supports under section 256B.0922.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates eligibility criteria to include persons aged 60 or older and those with dementia."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256B.0922",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for eligibility determination related to nursing facility placement under section 144.0724.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "144.0724",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for community assessment criteria in determining eligibility for services under section 256B.0922.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256B.0911",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 17 to 21, 23, 24, or 27"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for financial eligibility criteria under the alternative care program.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256B.0913",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for income methodology in determining financial eligibility for essential community supports.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256B.056",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Funding appropriations for caregiver respite services grants under section 256.9756.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256.9756",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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