Rep. Joe Schomacker

Maddy summaryHF 2995 adjusts funding for Minnesota's human services programs for the 2025 fiscal year. It adds $137 million total to the commissioner of human services' budget, including $11.9 million for Housing Support and $3.7 million for General Assistance, while reducing MinnesotaCare funding by $16.2 million (from the Health Care Access Fund) and Medical Assistance by $1.7 million. These adjustments directly affect programs serving Minnesotans through income support, healthcare access, housing assistance, and behavioral health services. The bill modifies existing appropriations without creating new programs, applying to fiscal year 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3137 appropriates $35.5 million from state bond proceeds to fund public infrastructure improvements in Edgerton, Minnesota. The bill directly affects Edgerton residents and city officials by providing funds for replacing sewer systems, rehabilitating water treatment plants, replacing water lines, constructing a new lift station, and reconstructing streets. Key mechanisms include authorizing the state to issue up to $35.5 million in bonds under Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631-16A.675 and appropriating the funds to the Public Facilities Authority for a grant to Edgerton. The funding covers specific physical upgrades to the city's water and sewer infrastructure, with the state responsible for bond issuance. This bill takes effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 97 modifies coverage for chiropractic services under MinnesotaCare and medical assistance programs. It specifies that covered services - including spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises for spinal conditions - must be provided by a licensed professional using accepted standards. The bill limits non-x-ray services to one annual evaluation and 24 visits per year, requiring prior authorization for more visits. It also restricts x-ray coverage to full spine or specific spinal area exams necessary for diagnosing subluxation. The bill repeals the previous coverage description in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256L.03, subdivision 3b.

Maddy summaryHF 2242 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services to select a single state pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) through a competitive bidding process. This PBM will handle all prescription drug claims for Minnesota's Medicaid (medical assistance) and MinnesotaCare programs, replacing the current system where multiple PBMs might be used. The bill mandates a master contract with this single PBM, specifies rules for drug coverage and reimbursement, and requires the commissioner to report on the program's operation. It also includes strict transparency requirements during procurement, such as disclosing potential conflicts of interest and financial ties between the PBM and pharmacies or drug manufacturers.

Maddy summaryHF 3036 requires Tribally licensed residential substance use disorder treatment programs in Minnesota to enroll in the state's substance use disorder demonstration project by January 1, 2028. This applies specifically to residential programs licensed by tribal authorities, not nonresidential tribal programs (which may opt in). Programs failing to enroll by the deadline will lose eligibility for state payments under section 256B.0625 for services provided. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.0759, subdivision 2, to add this requirement for tribal residential providers.

Maddy summaryHF 19 establishes education savings accounts (ESAs) for Minnesota students from low-income households, defined as families earning no more than four times the income threshold for free school meals. The bill allows parents to use state funds to pay for qualifying education expenses - including tuition at eligible nonpublic schools, tutoring, approved curriculum, and school supplies - at participating schools or providers. Participation is capped at 5% of public school enrollment in the first year, increasing by 3% annually, with priority given to kindergarten students and those who attended public school full-time the prior year. The program directly affects eligible students (ages 18 and under) and their families, with funds restricted to approved educational services and materials.

Maddy summaryHF 3035 removes a restriction that previously prevented for-profit health insurance companies from participating in Minnesota's public health programs. Specifically, it repeals a provision (Minnesota Statutes 43A.24, subd. 4) that barred for-profit health maintenance organizations from providing state-funded hospital, medical, and dental benefits to eligible individuals. This change allows for-profit insurers to bid on contracts for MinnesotaCare and medical assistance programs, which were previously restricted to nonprofit or government entities. The bill does not alter program eligibility or funding but expands participation options for insurers in these state-administered health programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1010 establishes a new licensure process for certified midwives in Minnesota through the Board of Nursing, creating a specific "Minnesota Certified Midwife Practice Act" (Chapter 148G). It amends health occupation definitions to include "licensed certified midwife," expands Medicaid coverage to include services provided by these licensed midwives, and sets civil/criminal penalties for violations. The bill directly affects certified midwives (requiring national certification plus state licensure) and Medicaid recipients who can now access midwifery care under their coverage. Key provisions define midwifery scope (including pregnancy, birth, and women's primary care) and set licensure terms, moving midwifery from an unregulated status to a licensed profession with expanded coverage.

Maddy summaryHF 1419 modifies how Minnesota reimburses nursing facilities for elderly care services. It introduces a "known cost change factor" based on the average annual minimum wage increase for nursing home workers approved by the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board. This factor adjusts reimbursement rates by multiplying facility costs by the factor before calculating payments per resident day. The changes apply to facilities licensed as nursing homes or both nursing homes and boarding care homes, affecting their state reimbursement rates starting January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 2064 modifies rules for assisted living facilities terminating contracts with residents. It requires facilities to hold meetings with residents and their chosen support people (like family or case managers) at least seven days before termination for most reasons, explaining the termination reason and offering alternatives like switching providers. Facilities must provide written termination notices 30 days in advance for contract violations (subdivision 4) or 15 days for other cases (subdivision 5), and send copies to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and case managers for waiver program residents. The bill also clarifies that temporary interruptions in public benefits (up to 60 days) do not count as nonpayment. These changes aim to ensure residents understand termination reasons and have time to address issues before leaving a facility.