Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance medical assistance funding for specific health care providers in Minnesota, particularly in Hennepin County. It also seeks to impose term limits on the Minnesota Ballpark Authority members and allow Hennepin County to use certain tax proceeds for specified purposes.

Main Provisions

• Directed Payment Arrangements for Hospitals: Starting July 1, 2025, the Commissioner of Human Services will initiate a program to increase medical assistance funding for private hospitals, specifically a designated level I trauma hospital in Hennepin County.
• Eligibility: The program includes private nonprofit adult hospitals in Hennepin County that operate as level I trauma centers and provide emergency medical transportation services, along with their affiliated physicians and ambulance services.
• Funding Mechanism: The program will use a directed payment approach as per federal regulations and will involve intergovernmental transfers.
• Program Requirements: The program’s funds must supplement existing medical assistance without replacing it. Managed care and county-based purchasing plans are required to incorporate these directed payments.
• Quality Goals: Payments should align with state goals including improving care for patients with high social and clinical risks, such as individuals with limited English proficiency, those with chronic conditions, and minorities.
• Ownership Changes: Payments will cease if the funding for the non-federal share ends or if there is a change in the ownership structure of the provider, except for transfers within entities owned by Hennepin County. Notice of ownership changes must be given 90 days in advance.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Term Limits for Authority Members: Establishes term limits for members of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority — a change not detailed within this document but part of the bill's broader legislative changes.
• Tax Use Authorization: Allows Hennepin County to use a portion of its tax proceeds for specified purposes beyond those currently defined by existing statutes.

Relevant Terms

• Directed payment arrangements
• Hennepin County
• Medical assistance
• Level I trauma hospital
• Managed care plans
• State quality goals
• Minnesota Ballpark Authority
• Term limits