This bill modifies the requirements for Minnesota's Waiver Reimagine initiative, which aims to restructure the state's Medicaid waiver programs for individuals with disabilities. The key provisions include:

1. Required Report: Before seeking federal approval for Waiver Reimagine Phase II, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) must submit a report on the plan by December 15, 2026. The report should detail service adjustments, budget setting, and necessary resources for individuals to live in the least restrictive environment.

2. Transition Process: DHS must establish a transition process to help individuals receiving waiver services and lead agencies adjust to a new two-waiver system with individual budget methodologies. DHS must ensure that service budgets are based on individual needs rather than location and prevent unintended service disruptions.

3. Legislative Oversight: DHS is required to submit the Waiver Reimagine plan to:

   • the newly created Legislative Task Force on Waiver Reimagine,
   • the Legislature, and
   • all waiver service recipients.

This must occur at least six months before seeking federal approval, allowing for review and input. DHS cannot submit the plan for federal approval without the Legislative Task Force's approval.

1. Legislative Task Force on Waiver Reimagine:

   • A 27-member task force will be established to review and provide recommendations on Waiver Reimagine. Members will include legislators, waiver recipients, family members, providers, county representatives, advocacy groups, and state agencies.
   • Appointments must be made by September 30, 2025, and the task force must hold its first meeting by November 30, 2025.
   • The task force will meet quarterly and conduct public meetings to gather input from stakeholders.
   • It must assess various aspects, including the transition to two waivers, budget methodologies, criteria for provider rate exceptions, service planning, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan.

2. Final Report & Expiration:

   • The task force must submit its report to the Legislature by January 15, 2027.
   • It will expire upon submission of the report or by December 31, 2027, whichever comes first.

This bill ensures legislative oversight over the Waiver Reimagine initiative and emphasizes transparency, stakeholder input, and protection of services for waiver recipients.