Reform 2020

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Overview

The 2011 Legislature directed DHS to reform Medical Assistance, Minnesota’s Medicaid program, to achieve better outcomes for people with disabilities, seniors and other enrollees. Federal approval will be sought so the state can make changes in the areas of community integration and independence, improved health, reduced reliance on institutional care, attainment of housing and employment and reduced use of services that are less effective. This initiative is called Reform 2020.

DHS held public meetings in June, July and August 2012 for clients, stakeholders and others to learn about Reform 2020 and provide comment. Staff presented an overview of Reform 2020 (PDF) and specifics on mental health, Community First Services and Supports, autism and other proposals contained in the section 1115 waiver proposal.

Reform 2020 Section 1115 waiver proposal

The Reform 2020 waiver proposal is a comprehensive package incorporating many of the key components of the overall reform initiative. On Nov. 21, 2012, DHS resubmitted the waiver proposal to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS is holding a 30-day federal comment period from Dec. 5, 2012 through Jan. 6, 2013. More details and a copy of the waiver proposal are online. This fact sheet summarizes key initiatives in the waiver proposal (PDF).

Demonstration to Integrate Care for Dual Eligibles

On April 26, 2012, DHS submitted its final proposal for Re-designing Integrated Medicare and Medicaid Financing and Delivery for People with Dual Eligibility in Minnesota to CMS. This demonstration will build on current state initiatives to improve performance of primary care and care coordination models for dual eligibles served in integrated Medicare and Medicaid Special Needs Plans and fee-for-service delivery systems. Dual eligibles refers to people who have benefits through Medicare and Medical Assistance. More information about this component of the overall reform and public meetings is available at www.dhs.state.mn.us/DualDemo.

Long-Term Care Realignment waiver proposal

The Long-Term Care Realignment waiver proposal was revised and resubmitted to CMS on Nov. 21, 2012. This component of Medical Assistance reform requests federal authority to support people impacted by implementation of the new nursing facility level of care criteria and move Minnesota’s Medicaid program closer to a new equilibrium in which people with lower needs have their needs met with lower cost, lower intensity services.

Reform timeline

Additional activities

Legislative report submitted in January

A Medical Assistance Reform Report (PDF) submitted in January 2012 to the Minnesota Legislature discusses DHS progress redesigning MA and coordinating with current and ongoing department initiatives. Workgroups continue to meet to develop the proposals in this report.

Stakeholder meeting held in December 2011

DHS gathered input from stakeholders at a Dec. 5, 2011, meeting in St. Paul. The following are copies of presentations from the meeting: MA reform waiver (PPT), Integrated care for people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (PPT), Home and community-based supports (PPT) and Section e: Employment (PPT).

Related links

DHS web pages

Other websites