SF 2497 creates a 12-month continuous eligibility period for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees.

Section 1 ( 256B.056, subd. 7b) states that medical assistance recipients whose eligibility is based on their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) shall remain eligible for medical assistance for a period of 12 months beginning the month that the initial application for medical assistance is approved or eligibility redetermination is approved.  Permits coverage to be terminated if the recipient or the parent or legal guardian of the recipient, if the recipient is under the age of 18, requests coverage to be terminated or if the recipient no longer meets the residency requirements for medical assistance.

Section 2 (256L.05, subd. 2b) states that MinnesotaCare enrollees who have been determined eligible for MinnesotaCare shall remain eligible for MinnesotaCare for a period of 12 months beginning the month of the initial application or the month of the annual redetermination.  Permits the enrollee to request an eligibility redetermination during the 12-month period for purposes of calculating a new premium amount.

Section 3 (256L.07, subd. 1) states that enrollees whose incomes increase above 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines shall remain eligible for MinnesotaCare until renewal and shall be disenrolled at their annual redetermination.

Section 4 requires the Commissioner of Human Services seek the necessary federal authority to implement these sections.

Section 5 repeals the periodic data matching requirement required to be conducted by the Commissioner of Human Services.

Section 6 states that these sections are effective October 1, 2017, or upon federal approval whichever is later.

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